B014BQVMGE
3.94
121,985
May 17, 2016
May 17, 2016
really liked it
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
*3.5 star rating*
Horror stories make me giddy, excited and really cre This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
*3.5 star rating*
Horror stories make me giddy, excited and really creeped out. REALLY CREEPED OUT. But for me, the "being creeped out" part is the absolute fun of it all. It makes me so happy, so excited and so obsessed with the book that I'm reading, showing that the purpose is being put to good use. Most likely, the author's purpose of writing any horror fiction story is to entertain readers with a genre (especially in YA) that is rarely seen because some people cannot take it. I was definitely entertained with Grady Hendrix's first YA-based novel, My Best Friend's Exorcism. I couldn't stop reading, especially towards the end, and I knew, from the start, that it will turn out to be absolute perfection. Well, I wouldn't call it perfect at all, since Hendrix did take a long time to get to the actual exorcism, the part that I knew would occur and that I was looking forward to the most.
My Best Friend's Exorcism has the best setting ever: the late 1980s. I am a teenager, so I seriously have limited knowledge of the time where my parents were teenagers, except for the cheesy disco music that they still like to "ooh" and "awe" over constantly. From the gorgeous cover, mimicking a high school yearbook, to the actual references made in the novel, 1988 seems fantastic. Hendrix seems to have so much experience with this era, having lived in it as well, and it's something new for us YA readers who are either used to reading about (a) the future, where everything is scientific and eerie, (b) the past, especially real historical times or (c) the present. There's nothing about 1980 in any YA book, except for Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell. I would love to applaud Grady for this great premise.
[image]
It seems right to have this kind of book placed in the 80s era. That is the era where people were superstitious (not that they currently aren't), where unimaginable things were believed in, where people didn't have the technology that we are fortunate to have today, minus Abby's creepy Mickey Mouse telephone. Me imagining these characters' wacky hair and outfits is so intriguing. The setting of Charleston, South Carolina, which today is still known as one of the most haunted places in the world is just my favourite thing about the story itself... and of course, the aftermath of everything that happened to the two best friends (and protagonists).
This is all about what the title screams out at you: an exorcism of a best friend of someone. Well, that someone is Abby Rivers, who is our protagonist. In the beginning of the story, Hendrix explains Abby's past and how she met her best friend, Gretchen. We quickly skip along Abby's child and soon meet her sophomore year in high school where she notices Gretchen's personality changing, and how harshly her parents treat her. The only explanation behind all of her weird antics and sayings? A demon named Andras.
[image]
AGH. The possession that Gretchen experienced in the novel is no surprise—we knew that it would happen, but we obviously did not know how. I wish there was more "horror," more freaky moments in this story minus the ending where things really shape up. I felt that a lot of the story was filler, trying to get us to know the characters really well—perfectly, perhaps—but I didn't need that. Abby spent so much time making excuses for Gretchen, trying to not realize that what was really happening was not an illness or anything like that, but a demonic possession somehow. Rape came into question, but the real answer was something supernatural that could definitely make you cringe. People have described this book as gory, as a little too much, but I would disagree with that in some points of the story. We honestly only got into the real fast-paced stuff in the last fifty pages. I would rate those fifty pages 5 stars, but everything else seemed like a three star rating. I had issues with a lot of things, but most of that was because of the plot.
It seems that Grady Hendrix has experience with writing things about Satan and demons. I scrolled through a list of his other books, and they all seem to be horror stories. I'm surprised that he rolled this one down a little—I hope it's not for the reason that this was written for an young adult audience. Everything was just plain old high school drama that we constantly see in contemporaries these days. We see the characters experimenting with drugs, sneaking out, lying to their parents, having fun, partying—it's nothing new, in that way. And when I look at all of the events from that perspective, it makes me wonder if the world really changed at all from the 80s, if this is Hendrix's view of teenagers during that time. I guess the yearbook cover really did hint at "HIGH SCHOOL" all along.
[image]
Cheers for the mega adorable friendship between Gretchen and Abby. I WANT SOMETHING LIKE THEIRS. Girl power? Yes. Romance? No. Thank goodness for that extra detail, too. Not every YA book needs romance, and I feel that some authors need to take that into consideration when they write books these days. People, like myself, prefer books that are unique over those that have been written over and over again, it seems.
My Best Friend's Exorcism's ending, as well as its setting, were the best parts of the story. Your jaw will drop when you discover who will take the hands of the exorcism and sew everything together. Yay for independence (Abby's character) and yay for a beautifully mended friendship between two girls who come from different families and different lives, but have always tried their best to stay/stick together. This contained a ton of filler that was just meant for readers to get to know the characters better, but you will see—it's a little too much. I'M SO EXCITED FOR HORRORSTÖR NOW.
*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!*
Merged review:
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
*3.5 star rating*
Horror stories make me giddy, excited and really creeped out. REALLY CREEPED OUT. But for me, the "being creeped out" part is the absolute fun of it all. It makes me so happy, so excited and so obsessed with the book that I'm reading, showing that the purpose is being put to good use. Most likely, the author's purpose of writing any horror fiction story is to entertain readers with a genre (especially in YA) that is rarely seen because some people cannot take it. I was definitely entertained with Grady Hendrix's first YA-based novel, My Best Friend's Exorcism. I couldn't stop reading, especially towards the end, and I knew, from the start, that it will turn out to be absolute perfection. Well, I wouldn't call it perfect at all, since Hendrix did take a long time to get to the actual exorcism, the part that I knew would occur and that I was looking forward to the most.
My Best Friend's Exorcism has the best setting ever: the late 1980s. I am a teenager, so I seriously have limited knowledge of the time where my parents were teenagers, except for the cheesy disco music that they still like to "ooh" and "awe" over constantly. From the gorgeous cover, mimicking a high school yearbook, to the actual references made in the novel, 1988 seems fantastic. Hendrix seems to have so much experience with this era, having lived in it as well, and it's something new for us YA readers who are either used to reading about (a) the future, where everything is scientific and eerie, (b) the past, especially real historical times or (c) the present. There's nothing about 1980 in any YA book, except for Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell. I would love to applaud Grady for this great premise.
[image]
It seems right to have this kind of book placed in the 80s era. That is the era where people were superstitious (not that they currently aren't), where unimaginable things were believed in, where people didn't have the technology that we are fortunate to have today, minus Abby's creepy Mickey Mouse telephone. Me imagining these characters' wacky hair and outfits is so intriguing. The setting of Charleston, South Carolina, which today is still known as one of the most haunted places in the world is just my favourite thing about the story itself... and of course, the aftermath of everything that happened to the two best friends (and protagonists).
This is all about what the title screams out at you: an exorcism of a best friend of someone. Well, that someone is Abby Rivers, who is our protagonist. In the beginning of the story, Hendrix explains Abby's past and how she met her best friend, Gretchen. We quickly skip along Abby's child and soon meet her sophomore year in high school where she notices Gretchen's personality changing, and how harshly her parents treat her. The only explanation behind all of her weird antics and sayings? A demon named Andras.
[image]
AGH. The possession that Gretchen experienced in the novel is no surprise—we knew that it would happen, but we obviously did not know how. I wish there was more "horror," more freaky moments in this story minus the ending where things really shape up. I felt that a lot of the story was filler, trying to get us to know the characters really well—perfectly, perhaps—but I didn't need that. Abby spent so much time making excuses for Gretchen, trying to not realize that what was really happening was not an illness or anything like that, but a demonic possession somehow. Rape came into question, but the real answer was something supernatural that could definitely make you cringe. People have described this book as gory, as a little too much, but I would disagree with that in some points of the story. We honestly only got into the real fast-paced stuff in the last fifty pages. I would rate those fifty pages 5 stars, but everything else seemed like a three star rating. I had issues with a lot of things, but most of that was because of the plot.
It seems that Grady Hendrix has experience with writing things about Satan and demons. I scrolled through a list of his other books, and they all seem to be horror stories. I'm surprised that he rolled this one down a little—I hope it's not for the reason that this was written for an young adult audience. Everything was just plain old high school drama that we constantly see in contemporaries these days. We see the characters experimenting with drugs, sneaking out, lying to their parents, having fun, partying—it's nothing new, in that way. And when I look at all of the events from that perspective, it makes me wonder if the world really changed at all from the 80s, if this is Hendrix's view of teenagers during that time. I guess the yearbook cover really did hint at "HIGH SCHOOL" all along.
[image]
Cheers for the mega adorable friendship between Gretchen and Abby. I WANT SOMETHING LIKE THEIRS. Girl power? Yes. Romance? No. Thank goodness for that extra detail, too. Not every YA book needs romance, and I feel that some authors need to take that into consideration when they write books these days. People, like myself, prefer books that are unique over those that have been written over and over again, it seems.
My Best Friend's Exorcism's ending, as well as its setting, were the best parts of the story. Your jaw will drop when you discover who will take the hands of the exorcism and sew everything together. Yay for independence (Abby's character) and yay for a beautifully mended friendship between two girls who come from different families and different lives, but have always tried their best to stay/stick together. This contained a ton of filler that was just meant for readers to get to know the characters better, but you will see—it's a little too much. I'M SO EXCITED FOR HORRORSTÖR NOW.
*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!* ...more
*3.5 star rating*
Horror stories make me giddy, excited and really cre This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
*3.5 star rating*
Horror stories make me giddy, excited and really creeped out. REALLY CREEPED OUT. But for me, the "being creeped out" part is the absolute fun of it all. It makes me so happy, so excited and so obsessed with the book that I'm reading, showing that the purpose is being put to good use. Most likely, the author's purpose of writing any horror fiction story is to entertain readers with a genre (especially in YA) that is rarely seen because some people cannot take it. I was definitely entertained with Grady Hendrix's first YA-based novel, My Best Friend's Exorcism. I couldn't stop reading, especially towards the end, and I knew, from the start, that it will turn out to be absolute perfection. Well, I wouldn't call it perfect at all, since Hendrix did take a long time to get to the actual exorcism, the part that I knew would occur and that I was looking forward to the most.
My Best Friend's Exorcism has the best setting ever: the late 1980s. I am a teenager, so I seriously have limited knowledge of the time where my parents were teenagers, except for the cheesy disco music that they still like to "ooh" and "awe" over constantly. From the gorgeous cover, mimicking a high school yearbook, to the actual references made in the novel, 1988 seems fantastic. Hendrix seems to have so much experience with this era, having lived in it as well, and it's something new for us YA readers who are either used to reading about (a) the future, where everything is scientific and eerie, (b) the past, especially real historical times or (c) the present. There's nothing about 1980 in any YA book, except for Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell. I would love to applaud Grady for this great premise.
[image]
It seems right to have this kind of book placed in the 80s era. That is the era where people were superstitious (not that they currently aren't), where unimaginable things were believed in, where people didn't have the technology that we are fortunate to have today, minus Abby's creepy Mickey Mouse telephone. Me imagining these characters' wacky hair and outfits is so intriguing. The setting of Charleston, South Carolina, which today is still known as one of the most haunted places in the world is just my favourite thing about the story itself... and of course, the aftermath of everything that happened to the two best friends (and protagonists).
"You know, Abby, this is one of those things that's broken, and it's not getting fixed. Some mistakes are forever, and you committed one. Welcome to the rest of your long, lonely life" (301).
This is all about what the title screams out at you: an exorcism of a best friend of someone. Well, that someone is Abby Rivers, who is our protagonist. In the beginning of the story, Hendrix explains Abby's past and how she met her best friend, Gretchen. We quickly skip along Abby's child and soon meet her sophomore year in high school where she notices Gretchen's personality changing, and how harshly her parents treat her. The only explanation behind all of her weird antics and sayings? A demon named Andras.
[image]
AGH. The possession that Gretchen experienced in the novel is no surprise—we knew that it would happen, but we obviously did not know how. I wish there was more "horror," more freaky moments in this story minus the ending where things really shape up. I felt that a lot of the story was filler, trying to get us to know the characters really well—perfectly, perhaps—but I didn't need that. Abby spent so much time making excuses for Gretchen, trying to not realize that what was really happening was not an illness or anything like that, but a demonic possession somehow. Rape came into question, but the real answer was something supernatural that could definitely make you cringe. People have described this book as gory, as a little too much, but I would disagree with that in some points of the story. We honestly only got into the real fast-paced stuff in the last fifty pages. I would rate those fifty pages 5 stars, but everything else seemed like a three star rating. I had issues with a lot of things, but most of that was because of the plot.
It seems that Grady Hendrix has experience with writing things about Satan and demons. I scrolled through a list of his other books, and they all seem to be horror stories. I'm surprised that he rolled this one down a little—I hope it's not for the reason that this was written for an young adult audience. Everything was just plain old high school drama that we constantly see in contemporaries these days. We see the characters experimenting with drugs, sneaking out, lying to their parents, having fun, partying—it's nothing new, in that way. And when I look at all of the events from that perspective, it makes me wonder if the world really changed at all from the 80s, if this is Hendrix's view of teenagers during that time. I guess the yearbook cover really did hint at "HIGH SCHOOL" all along.
[image]
"I love you, Abby. You're my best friend, and my mirror, and my reflection, and you are me, and you are everything I love and everything I hate, and I will never give up on you" (322).
Cheers for the mega adorable friendship between Gretchen and Abby. I WANT SOMETHING LIKE THEIRS. Girl power? Yes. Romance? No. Thank goodness for that extra detail, too. Not every YA book needs romance, and I feel that some authors need to take that into consideration when they write books these days. People, like myself, prefer books that are unique over those that have been written over and over again, it seems.
My Best Friend's Exorcism's ending, as well as its setting, were the best parts of the story. Your jaw will drop when you discover who will take the hands of the exorcism and sew everything together. Yay for independence (Abby's character) and yay for a beautifully mended friendship between two girls who come from different families and different lives, but have always tried their best to stay/stick together. This contained a ton of filler that was just meant for readers to get to know the characters better, but you will see—it's a little too much. I'M SO EXCITED FOR HORRORSTÖR NOW.
*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!*
Merged review:
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
*3.5 star rating*
Horror stories make me giddy, excited and really creeped out. REALLY CREEPED OUT. But for me, the "being creeped out" part is the absolute fun of it all. It makes me so happy, so excited and so obsessed with the book that I'm reading, showing that the purpose is being put to good use. Most likely, the author's purpose of writing any horror fiction story is to entertain readers with a genre (especially in YA) that is rarely seen because some people cannot take it. I was definitely entertained with Grady Hendrix's first YA-based novel, My Best Friend's Exorcism. I couldn't stop reading, especially towards the end, and I knew, from the start, that it will turn out to be absolute perfection. Well, I wouldn't call it perfect at all, since Hendrix did take a long time to get to the actual exorcism, the part that I knew would occur and that I was looking forward to the most.
My Best Friend's Exorcism has the best setting ever: the late 1980s. I am a teenager, so I seriously have limited knowledge of the time where my parents were teenagers, except for the cheesy disco music that they still like to "ooh" and "awe" over constantly. From the gorgeous cover, mimicking a high school yearbook, to the actual references made in the novel, 1988 seems fantastic. Hendrix seems to have so much experience with this era, having lived in it as well, and it's something new for us YA readers who are either used to reading about (a) the future, where everything is scientific and eerie, (b) the past, especially real historical times or (c) the present. There's nothing about 1980 in any YA book, except for Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell. I would love to applaud Grady for this great premise.
[image]
It seems right to have this kind of book placed in the 80s era. That is the era where people were superstitious (not that they currently aren't), where unimaginable things were believed in, where people didn't have the technology that we are fortunate to have today, minus Abby's creepy Mickey Mouse telephone. Me imagining these characters' wacky hair and outfits is so intriguing. The setting of Charleston, South Carolina, which today is still known as one of the most haunted places in the world is just my favourite thing about the story itself... and of course, the aftermath of everything that happened to the two best friends (and protagonists).
"You know, Abby, this is one of those things that's broken, and it's not getting fixed. Some mistakes are forever, and you committed one. Welcome to the rest of your long, lonely life" (301).
This is all about what the title screams out at you: an exorcism of a best friend of someone. Well, that someone is Abby Rivers, who is our protagonist. In the beginning of the story, Hendrix explains Abby's past and how she met her best friend, Gretchen. We quickly skip along Abby's child and soon meet her sophomore year in high school where she notices Gretchen's personality changing, and how harshly her parents treat her. The only explanation behind all of her weird antics and sayings? A demon named Andras.
[image]
AGH. The possession that Gretchen experienced in the novel is no surprise—we knew that it would happen, but we obviously did not know how. I wish there was more "horror," more freaky moments in this story minus the ending where things really shape up. I felt that a lot of the story was filler, trying to get us to know the characters really well—perfectly, perhaps—but I didn't need that. Abby spent so much time making excuses for Gretchen, trying to not realize that what was really happening was not an illness or anything like that, but a demonic possession somehow. Rape came into question, but the real answer was something supernatural that could definitely make you cringe. People have described this book as gory, as a little too much, but I would disagree with that in some points of the story. We honestly only got into the real fast-paced stuff in the last fifty pages. I would rate those fifty pages 5 stars, but everything else seemed like a three star rating. I had issues with a lot of things, but most of that was because of the plot.
It seems that Grady Hendrix has experience with writing things about Satan and demons. I scrolled through a list of his other books, and they all seem to be horror stories. I'm surprised that he rolled this one down a little—I hope it's not for the reason that this was written for an young adult audience. Everything was just plain old high school drama that we constantly see in contemporaries these days. We see the characters experimenting with drugs, sneaking out, lying to their parents, having fun, partying—it's nothing new, in that way. And when I look at all of the events from that perspective, it makes me wonder if the world really changed at all from the 80s, if this is Hendrix's view of teenagers during that time. I guess the yearbook cover really did hint at "HIGH SCHOOL" all along.
[image]
"I love you, Abby. You're my best friend, and my mirror, and my reflection, and you are me, and you are everything I love and everything I hate, and I will never give up on you" (322).
Cheers for the mega adorable friendship between Gretchen and Abby. I WANT SOMETHING LIKE THEIRS. Girl power? Yes. Romance? No. Thank goodness for that extra detail, too. Not every YA book needs romance, and I feel that some authors need to take that into consideration when they write books these days. People, like myself, prefer books that are unique over those that have been written over and over again, it seems.
My Best Friend's Exorcism's ending, as well as its setting, were the best parts of the story. Your jaw will drop when you discover who will take the hands of the exorcism and sew everything together. Yay for independence (Abby's character) and yay for a beautifully mended friendship between two girls who come from different families and different lives, but have always tried their best to stay/stick together. This contained a ton of filler that was just meant for readers to get to know the characters better, but you will see—it's a little too much. I'M SO EXCITED FOR HORRORSTÖR NOW.
*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!* ...more
Notes are private!
0
2
Jul 28, 2016
not set
Aug 02, 2016
not set
Jul 23, 2024
Kindle Edition
0316382868
9780316382861
0316382868
3.84
1,612
Jun 06, 2017
Jun 06, 2017
it was amazing
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
The Unlikelies was such a lovely surprise. After reading Carrie Firesto This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
The Unlikelies was such a lovely surprise. After reading Carrie Firestone's debut story, The Loose Ends List, I was pretty impressed, but not to the fullest extent possible. I was truly hesitant to pick this book up, but I had a feeling I would enjoy it because it seemed to be not all about romance, which is what I was seeking. Too many books these days focus on cheesy, impossible romances that make me feel sad and hopeless. Carrie Firestone knows how to mix a gorgeous plot with a group of unforgettable characters who actually remind me of a less reckless version of the characters in The Breakfast Club. Each character had their own memorable twang which I really appreciated reading about. Instead of having rebellious characters who spend the book learning about their wrongs, this was about good characters. Characters I will never forget about.
The book's main character is Sadie, who becomes an Internet sensation by doing a good deed and stopping a man from drunk driving with his baby daughter in the backseat. Afterwards, she gets invited to a lunch celebrating the Hamptons' 'homegrown heroes,' which Sadie feels that she doesn't belong in. Little does she know that the four honourees will become her new friends, especially during the time that she tries to live life after her other friends are going off to college while Sadie will be a senior.
I honestly was obsessed with this book from this start. I completed it in a span of two or three sittings, and adored the overall message that it presented, which was that each individual should be surrounded by others who do good. We should all take chances to do good to benefit others. This story just made me feel so happy, from the miniature piece of romance to the lovely characters. It surely was one of the best books I've read this year.
The Unlikelies truly made me smile and feel all good inside; more authors should look into creating genuinely good characters like the five 'unlikelies.' I'm in love!
*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!* ...more
The Unlikelies was such a lovely surprise. After reading Carrie Firesto This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
The Unlikelies was such a lovely surprise. After reading Carrie Firestone's debut story, The Loose Ends List, I was pretty impressed, but not to the fullest extent possible. I was truly hesitant to pick this book up, but I had a feeling I would enjoy it because it seemed to be not all about romance, which is what I was seeking. Too many books these days focus on cheesy, impossible romances that make me feel sad and hopeless. Carrie Firestone knows how to mix a gorgeous plot with a group of unforgettable characters who actually remind me of a less reckless version of the characters in The Breakfast Club. Each character had their own memorable twang which I really appreciated reading about. Instead of having rebellious characters who spend the book learning about their wrongs, this was about good characters. Characters I will never forget about.
The book's main character is Sadie, who becomes an Internet sensation by doing a good deed and stopping a man from drunk driving with his baby daughter in the backseat. Afterwards, she gets invited to a lunch celebrating the Hamptons' 'homegrown heroes,' which Sadie feels that she doesn't belong in. Little does she know that the four honourees will become her new friends, especially during the time that she tries to live life after her other friends are going off to college while Sadie will be a senior.
I honestly was obsessed with this book from this start. I completed it in a span of two or three sittings, and adored the overall message that it presented, which was that each individual should be surrounded by others who do good. We should all take chances to do good to benefit others. This story just made me feel so happy, from the miniature piece of romance to the lovely characters. It surely was one of the best books I've read this year.
The Unlikelies truly made me smile and feel all good inside; more authors should look into creating genuinely good characters like the five 'unlikelies.' I'm in love!
*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!* ...more
Notes are private!
1
Aug 12, 2018
Aug 15, 2018
Jul 21, 2018
Hardcover
0545731461
9780545731461
0545731461
3.96
1,674
Jan 26, 2016
Jan 26, 2016
really liked it
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
While writing this review, I just realized that the author of this nove This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
While writing this review, I just realized that the author of this novel is Kim Culbertson, author of Catch a Falling Star, another book published by Point which was a horrendously cheesy story I did not enjoy. I think that if I was aware of that beforehand, there would have been a large chance that I wouldn't have picked this one up. The Possibility of Now was a cheesy chick-lit contemporary romance, but, as you can see, it was a 4-star read, meaning that I did enjoy the cheesiness. The storyline was quite predictable, but I must admit that it was interesting and unique, as it is quite rare to read a YA book set in a ski resort or even California. This was a lovely coming-of-age story about a protagonist quite similar to myself, who is a perfectionist and enjoys succeeding in schoolwork.
Mara James lives in San Diego with her mother, stepbrothers and stepfather, far away from the ski-filled adventurous life her absent father is living in Lake Tahoe. After a humiliating event in which Mara has a panic attack over a calculus exam, she decides that it is better for her to head to Lake Tahoe to relax and rejuvenate for a few months. There, she is forced to confront her absent father and meet new friends, who are skiers. And of course, a romance blossoms.
For the first hundred pages or so, I wasn't too into the book. I found that it was a little juvenile and typical for a contemporary romance, however, I later found that it became difficult to put down, as I was curious to see how Mara would enjoy her life of living in Northern California, and being away from a competitive environment which her old school in San Diego had. I found myself really relating to Mara and her character, even though her whole list-making ideology became a little annoying at times. However, I just found this entire story to be a feel-good read. ...more
While writing this review, I just realized that the author of this nove This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
While writing this review, I just realized that the author of this novel is Kim Culbertson, author of Catch a Falling Star, another book published by Point which was a horrendously cheesy story I did not enjoy. I think that if I was aware of that beforehand, there would have been a large chance that I wouldn't have picked this one up. The Possibility of Now was a cheesy chick-lit contemporary romance, but, as you can see, it was a 4-star read, meaning that I did enjoy the cheesiness. The storyline was quite predictable, but I must admit that it was interesting and unique, as it is quite rare to read a YA book set in a ski resort or even California. This was a lovely coming-of-age story about a protagonist quite similar to myself, who is a perfectionist and enjoys succeeding in schoolwork.
Mara James lives in San Diego with her mother, stepbrothers and stepfather, far away from the ski-filled adventurous life her absent father is living in Lake Tahoe. After a humiliating event in which Mara has a panic attack over a calculus exam, she decides that it is better for her to head to Lake Tahoe to relax and rejuvenate for a few months. There, she is forced to confront her absent father and meet new friends, who are skiers. And of course, a romance blossoms.
For the first hundred pages or so, I wasn't too into the book. I found that it was a little juvenile and typical for a contemporary romance, however, I later found that it became difficult to put down, as I was curious to see how Mara would enjoy her life of living in Northern California, and being away from a competitive environment which her old school in San Diego had. I found myself really relating to Mara and her character, even though her whole list-making ideology became a little annoying at times. However, I just found this entire story to be a feel-good read. ...more
Notes are private!
1
Jul 03, 2018
Jul 05, 2018
Jul 03, 2018
Hardcover
0448493527
9780448493527
0448493527
3.99
3,181
Jul 11, 2017
Jul 11, 2017
it was amazing
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
I love reading series when I own all of the books personally. That way, This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
I love reading series when I own all of the books personally. That way, I'm able to read one after the other, not forgetting what previously happened. There is also no chance of me changing my opinion of a certain genre, which, in this case, is horror. I LOVE HORROR BOOKS. Both horror books and movies, actually. There's no better way to fulfill this obsession and adoration I have than to be immersed in the gorgeous writing of Danielle Vega. Every book in this series has been amazing. When I read the first Merciless story a few years ago, I was ecstatic to read the others in the series, and I agree that it took me too long to do so. NEVERTHELESS, I did read them now, and I now feel that the reading slump I experienced a month ago is long gone. Thank you, Ms. Vega, for showing me what it is like to read an amazing story.
From the start of the novel, we are introduced to Brooklyn, who is a girl trying to help others by starting a teen helpline. On her helpline's first night of debuting, she receives a phone call where she hears a girl calling for help, stating that someone is hurting her. Automatically, Brooklyn becomes interested in helping this girl (with asking for minimal aid from the police), and discovers that the call came from Friend, Mississippi's Christ First Church. While 'investigating,' Brooklyn meets Hope and Gavin, the children of the church's pastor, and becomes immersed in the cultish community of the church, even to the extent that she begins to fall for Gavin. Then, things get insane very quickly.
[image]
This third book in the series is actually a prequel to The Merciless, and I must say that it helps us readers truly understand how everything came to be. How the world the book takes place in was able to form, and how the cultish vibes came to be. The protagonist we deal with in this story is Brooklyn, who, in the first novel, is seen as the "weirdo" evil character. Through this story, the audience definitely was able to better understand Brooklyn's character, and partially form a character-reader relationship. I actually grew to like her as a character, even though she took too many risks and did not think rationally, which led her to become involved with the Christ First Church (the cultish church that basically began this series and affected all of the characters). Although she fell heads-over-heels a little too quickly for Gavin, the son of the pastor of the church, she can definitely be classified as a kick-butt character. Kudos to her (but too bad things went SO wrong in this story).
This was one of the most well-written stories I've read in a while. The major perk that allows me to say this is that it is that it practically made me nauseous. Why nauseous, you ask? THE GORE. Every single one of these stories involve some kind of traumatic experience for a character(s) and when these events occur, they will haunt you and give you nightmares. I'm not kidding or am even close to over-exaggerating this. While reading, you'll kind of feel as if what's happening to the characters is (almost) happening to you. Yikes. I also extremely appreciate the fact that every single book in this gorgeous series involves some romance. Because if they were just focused on the horror aspect, I would have to sleep with my lights on, every single night, to help me calm down.
[image]
I don't think it's possible to recommend this book and series more. If you haven't heard of this series already, then I am very upset with you and would like to force you to head over to your local bookstore (or online bookstore, haha) and purchase all four (the fourth one just released!) of the books this instant. You will not be disappointed, and if you are, then you're an exception. *winks* Get ready to be scarred, in a good way. ...more
I love reading series when I own all of the books personally. That way, This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
I love reading series when I own all of the books personally. That way, I'm able to read one after the other, not forgetting what previously happened. There is also no chance of me changing my opinion of a certain genre, which, in this case, is horror. I LOVE HORROR BOOKS. Both horror books and movies, actually. There's no better way to fulfill this obsession and adoration I have than to be immersed in the gorgeous writing of Danielle Vega. Every book in this series has been amazing. When I read the first Merciless story a few years ago, I was ecstatic to read the others in the series, and I agree that it took me too long to do so. NEVERTHELESS, I did read them now, and I now feel that the reading slump I experienced a month ago is long gone. Thank you, Ms. Vega, for showing me what it is like to read an amazing story.
From the start of the novel, we are introduced to Brooklyn, who is a girl trying to help others by starting a teen helpline. On her helpline's first night of debuting, she receives a phone call where she hears a girl calling for help, stating that someone is hurting her. Automatically, Brooklyn becomes interested in helping this girl (with asking for minimal aid from the police), and discovers that the call came from Friend, Mississippi's Christ First Church. While 'investigating,' Brooklyn meets Hope and Gavin, the children of the church's pastor, and becomes immersed in the cultish community of the church, even to the extent that she begins to fall for Gavin. Then, things get insane very quickly.
[image]
This third book in the series is actually a prequel to The Merciless, and I must say that it helps us readers truly understand how everything came to be. How the world the book takes place in was able to form, and how the cultish vibes came to be. The protagonist we deal with in this story is Brooklyn, who, in the first novel, is seen as the "weirdo" evil character. Through this story, the audience definitely was able to better understand Brooklyn's character, and partially form a character-reader relationship. I actually grew to like her as a character, even though she took too many risks and did not think rationally, which led her to become involved with the Christ First Church (the cultish church that basically began this series and affected all of the characters). Although she fell heads-over-heels a little too quickly for Gavin, the son of the pastor of the church, she can definitely be classified as a kick-butt character. Kudos to her (but too bad things went SO wrong in this story).
This was one of the most well-written stories I've read in a while. The major perk that allows me to say this is that it is that it practically made me nauseous. Why nauseous, you ask? THE GORE. Every single one of these stories involve some kind of traumatic experience for a character(s) and when these events occur, they will haunt you and give you nightmares. I'm not kidding or am even close to over-exaggerating this. While reading, you'll kind of feel as if what's happening to the characters is (almost) happening to you. Yikes. I also extremely appreciate the fact that every single book in this gorgeous series involves some romance. Because if they were just focused on the horror aspect, I would have to sleep with my lights on, every single night, to help me calm down.
[image]
I don't think it's possible to recommend this book and series more. If you haven't heard of this series already, then I am very upset with you and would like to force you to head over to your local bookstore (or online bookstore, haha) and purchase all four (the fourth one just released!) of the books this instant. You will not be disappointed, and if you are, then you're an exception. *winks* Get ready to be scarred, in a good way. ...more
Notes are private!
1
Jun 25, 2018
Jul 02, 2018
Jun 25, 2018
Hardcover
0374381003
9780374381004
B076B88L2P
3.33
623
May 01, 2018
May 01, 2018
really liked it
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
*3.5 star rating*
When I picked this book up, I was extremely hesitant b This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
*3.5 star rating*
When I picked this book up, I was extremely hesitant because it seems that the entire bookish community is not really rooting for this book by Leila Sales. I am a HUGE Leila Sales, having read every book by her except for one, and when given the opportunity to read this new release, I was ecstatic. I was not aware that she would be releasing a new, heartwarming story in 2018, and discovering this was the best news. Then, I read some of the early reviews and I was afraid but skeptical. Leila Sales chose to write this book based on what is happening in our world today on social media and on the Internet. The topic of this book is very unique, however, it appears in reality everyday and affects all of our lives. Nevertheless, I completely support Leila Sales' decision to write about this, and we deserve to read a story about this topic. About racism and not realizing the consequences that our actions and words have.
I obviously am not standing up for the comments that the protagonist, Winter Halperin, used. It was wrong for her to type that out (we obviously see the wrongness of the situation when Winter begins to lose everything she has ever had), however, this does not mean that Winter is an evil individual who deserves to be punished. In MY opinion, I see that Winter's character felt sorry for what she did, and, by the end of the novel, understood why her actions were wrong. I personally did not feel sorry for her (I don't think we were meant to feel that way — Leila Sales usually creates these kinds of characters), but just because I didn't feel sorry doesn't mean that this book is unacceptable. I just don't understand why some people are hating on this story for its theme and topic. It is about time that an author addresses this topic in a story, as it seems as if everyone has been ignoring it in the literary world. I personally enjoyed the topics explored in the writing.
For the first half of the story, I was intrigued and fascinated with the storyline and plot. The story is so unique that I'm pretty sure it cannot be compared to anything else. 2018 is the best time for this book to have been released, so I definitely think it's time for you to pick it up. When I got through to the second half, especially the part involving Winter's entrance to rehab and the relationship (which I don't think was necessary; let the girl focus on her emotions!) it fell short as I wasn't able to see where the story was really going. From the first half, I became aware of the fact that the story was about Winter learning how to deal with her mistakes, though I found that the plot dragged. Nonetheless, I totally recommend every bit of the story for a fresh read.
If You Don't Have Anything Nice to Say was a great read to start off my summer vacation, and it truly is an important one. Go see that for yourself.
*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!* ...more
*3.5 star rating*
When I picked this book up, I was extremely hesitant b This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
*3.5 star rating*
When I picked this book up, I was extremely hesitant because it seems that the entire bookish community is not really rooting for this book by Leila Sales. I am a HUGE Leila Sales, having read every book by her except for one, and when given the opportunity to read this new release, I was ecstatic. I was not aware that she would be releasing a new, heartwarming story in 2018, and discovering this was the best news. Then, I read some of the early reviews and I was afraid but skeptical. Leila Sales chose to write this book based on what is happening in our world today on social media and on the Internet. The topic of this book is very unique, however, it appears in reality everyday and affects all of our lives. Nevertheless, I completely support Leila Sales' decision to write about this, and we deserve to read a story about this topic. About racism and not realizing the consequences that our actions and words have.
I obviously am not standing up for the comments that the protagonist, Winter Halperin, used. It was wrong for her to type that out (we obviously see the wrongness of the situation when Winter begins to lose everything she has ever had), however, this does not mean that Winter is an evil individual who deserves to be punished. In MY opinion, I see that Winter's character felt sorry for what she did, and, by the end of the novel, understood why her actions were wrong. I personally did not feel sorry for her (I don't think we were meant to feel that way — Leila Sales usually creates these kinds of characters), but just because I didn't feel sorry doesn't mean that this book is unacceptable. I just don't understand why some people are hating on this story for its theme and topic. It is about time that an author addresses this topic in a story, as it seems as if everyone has been ignoring it in the literary world. I personally enjoyed the topics explored in the writing.
For the first half of the story, I was intrigued and fascinated with the storyline and plot. The story is so unique that I'm pretty sure it cannot be compared to anything else. 2018 is the best time for this book to have been released, so I definitely think it's time for you to pick it up. When I got through to the second half, especially the part involving Winter's entrance to rehab and the relationship (which I don't think was necessary; let the girl focus on her emotions!) it fell short as I wasn't able to see where the story was really going. From the first half, I became aware of the fact that the story was about Winter learning how to deal with her mistakes, though I found that the plot dragged. Nonetheless, I totally recommend every bit of the story for a fresh read.
If You Don't Have Anything Nice to Say was a great read to start off my summer vacation, and it truly is an important one. Go see that for yourself.
*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!* ...more
Notes are private!
1
Jun 22, 2018
Jun 24, 2018
Jun 22, 2018
ebook
031647178X
9780316471787
031647178X
3.89
2,348
Dec 2017
Dec 05, 2017
really liked it
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
I've read many books with a similar concept to this one, but this book This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
I've read many books with a similar concept to this one, but this book is something special. Instructions for a Secondhand Heart by Tamsyn Murray was a story that initially seems to be similar to the rest, however, the author utilized a different take to the story and shocked me. This novel certainly had its flaws with being a story that was difficult to 'get into' and start to understand, however, once the understanding portion sunk into my mind, enjoying and loving the story came easily. If you're looking for a story that will possibly cause you to shed some tears and catch a glimpse of what love is actually like, read this gorgeous novel. I am especially complimenting the author's writing style, which was fresh, unique and entertaining. I can certainly call this one of the better love stories I've read about this year.
This is a dual perspective novel, focusing on two characters who initially seem to be complete opposites and have no connection. However, unfortunately, a death brings the characters together: the death of Neve's twin brother, Leo. When Leo dies in a tragic accident, Neve finds it difficult to move on and even find the will to live. Leo's death allows a teenage boy, Jonny, to receive a life-altering heart transplant which allows him to live. Ultimately, Jonny becomes curious about his donor, and eventually discovers Neve and starts a relationship with her... and things blossom.
[image]
Of course, this is a romance story. HOWEVER, IT'S NOT CHEESY. At least, I didn't find it cheesy in any way. This had two characters who had quite interesting personalities. Neve and Jonny fit each other SO WELL, but this was only because they both were different and had their own problems and flaws which were highly evident throughout the novel. Through the plot, Murray showcased the issues individuals face when they encounter death and illness, and how people can easily be connected without expecting it.
What I loved most about this story is the ending. OH MY. It was definitely emotion-filled and will cause you to shed a tear... or two. I'm telling you: you will not want to miss this gorgeous story. It's a perfect one for a nice winter evening by the fireplace.
[image]
READ THIS BOOK AND FALL IN LOVE. Okay? Okay. Let's all appreciate Tamsyn Murray's writing and beg her to write another novel soon!
*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!* ...more
I've read many books with a similar concept to this one, but this book This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
I've read many books with a similar concept to this one, but this book is something special. Instructions for a Secondhand Heart by Tamsyn Murray was a story that initially seems to be similar to the rest, however, the author utilized a different take to the story and shocked me. This novel certainly had its flaws with being a story that was difficult to 'get into' and start to understand, however, once the understanding portion sunk into my mind, enjoying and loving the story came easily. If you're looking for a story that will possibly cause you to shed some tears and catch a glimpse of what love is actually like, read this gorgeous novel. I am especially complimenting the author's writing style, which was fresh, unique and entertaining. I can certainly call this one of the better love stories I've read about this year.
This is a dual perspective novel, focusing on two characters who initially seem to be complete opposites and have no connection. However, unfortunately, a death brings the characters together: the death of Neve's twin brother, Leo. When Leo dies in a tragic accident, Neve finds it difficult to move on and even find the will to live. Leo's death allows a teenage boy, Jonny, to receive a life-altering heart transplant which allows him to live. Ultimately, Jonny becomes curious about his donor, and eventually discovers Neve and starts a relationship with her... and things blossom.
[image]
Of course, this is a romance story. HOWEVER, IT'S NOT CHEESY. At least, I didn't find it cheesy in any way. This had two characters who had quite interesting personalities. Neve and Jonny fit each other SO WELL, but this was only because they both were different and had their own problems and flaws which were highly evident throughout the novel. Through the plot, Murray showcased the issues individuals face when they encounter death and illness, and how people can easily be connected without expecting it.
What I loved most about this story is the ending. OH MY. It was definitely emotion-filled and will cause you to shed a tear... or two. I'm telling you: you will not want to miss this gorgeous story. It's a perfect one for a nice winter evening by the fireplace.
[image]
READ THIS BOOK AND FALL IN LOVE. Okay? Okay. Let's all appreciate Tamsyn Murray's writing and beg her to write another novel soon!
*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!* ...more
Notes are private!
1
Feb 04, 2018
May 21, 2018
Feb 04, 2018
Hardcover
1416934006
9781416934004
1416934006
3.63
63,825
1975
Apr 24, 2007
really liked it
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
Forever... is a book that has been sitting in my bookshelf for years. L This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
Forever... is a book that has been sitting in my bookshelf for years. LITERALLY YEARS. Four years, five years? Something like that. I have always been a fan of Judy Blume, and I felt the need to read all of her books. At last, I sought a quick, short read, and felt that it was the perfect time to pick this up. This is a story that every teenage girl needs to pick up and devour. Although it was written years ago, much of the concepts Blume explores in terms of sexuality still pertains to what is modern and known today. It is a story that will sit in your head, and a story every reader will probably remember for years because of the impact and innocence it delivers.
Judy Blume realistically approaches what it is like to be in a relationship. There aren't any depictions of cheesiness and unpredictability, as there is in normal contemporary romances. She showcases that Michael and Katherine are living in a real world where relationships occasionally have issues. But this book isn't about whether this couple will end up being together forever (as the title depicts) but what their relationship is like and whether there is any pressure to express sexuality. Some books get it completely wrong, but Blume got it completely right. This is for all of the feminists out there. It has so much humour in it and I just cannot get the story out of my head.
Basically, to put it simply, this is about two high school seniors: Michael and Katherine, who start a relationship and basically become addicted to each other. But it's not one of those teen chick-flick relationships, but a relationship that is sensual and real. It seemed so real and different than anything I have read before. The plot was fast-paced, both of the characters were likeable, and there was not much I could complain about.
MY FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THIS? The lack of predictability. I normally pick chick-lit books up so I can get a nice idea (always expecting predictability) but this was a pleasant surprise. Put this on the list of Books Everyone Must Pick Up, please!
Forever... is a book I will remember forever. Read it, enjoy it, and enjoy the relationship Judy Blume creates, because it is gorgeous. What a lovely read. ...more
Forever... is a book that has been sitting in my bookshelf for years. L This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
Forever... is a book that has been sitting in my bookshelf for years. LITERALLY YEARS. Four years, five years? Something like that. I have always been a fan of Judy Blume, and I felt the need to read all of her books. At last, I sought a quick, short read, and felt that it was the perfect time to pick this up. This is a story that every teenage girl needs to pick up and devour. Although it was written years ago, much of the concepts Blume explores in terms of sexuality still pertains to what is modern and known today. It is a story that will sit in your head, and a story every reader will probably remember for years because of the impact and innocence it delivers.
Judy Blume realistically approaches what it is like to be in a relationship. There aren't any depictions of cheesiness and unpredictability, as there is in normal contemporary romances. She showcases that Michael and Katherine are living in a real world where relationships occasionally have issues. But this book isn't about whether this couple will end up being together forever (as the title depicts) but what their relationship is like and whether there is any pressure to express sexuality. Some books get it completely wrong, but Blume got it completely right. This is for all of the feminists out there. It has so much humour in it and I just cannot get the story out of my head.
Basically, to put it simply, this is about two high school seniors: Michael and Katherine, who start a relationship and basically become addicted to each other. But it's not one of those teen chick-flick relationships, but a relationship that is sensual and real. It seemed so real and different than anything I have read before. The plot was fast-paced, both of the characters were likeable, and there was not much I could complain about.
MY FAVOURITE THING ABOUT THIS? The lack of predictability. I normally pick chick-lit books up so I can get a nice idea (always expecting predictability) but this was a pleasant surprise. Put this on the list of Books Everyone Must Pick Up, please!
Forever... is a book I will remember forever. Read it, enjoy it, and enjoy the relationship Judy Blume creates, because it is gorgeous. What a lovely read. ...more
Notes are private!
1
Sep 23, 2017
Sep 24, 2017
Sep 23, 2017
Paperback
1492647608
9781492647607
1492647608
3.63
1,691
Oct 03, 2017
Oct 03, 2017
it was amazing
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
Remember Me Always was unbelievable. UN-OMG-BELIEVABLE. After previousl This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
Remember Me Always was unbelievable. UN-OMG-BELIEVABLE. After previously reading Renee Collins' debut, Until We Meet Again, I expected to sadly never pick up a book of hers again because of the weird mysterious fantasy she tried to create in that book. However, when word first was released about this new 2017 book of hers (and the fact that it had an aesthetic cover with gorgeous Polaroid photos), I was so in. Of course, I was skeptical that it would be a favourite of mine, as the premise... well, let's just say that it does not sound like the most promising book. FORGET ABOUT EVERYTHING I JUST SAID. Remember Me Always is surely one of the best books I have read this year. It picked me out of a hideous, dreadful reading slump that I have experienced since the summer (!!!!), causing me to finish it in one sitting. There's nothing better than being on a road trip with a gorgeous story that keeps you going and not bored. Because let me just say it: some of the 'scenery' we can view out of the window is not always so... awing.
THIS WAS ACTION-PACKED AND BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN. Collins has a poetic vibe to her writing which I totally appreciated due to how it made this story seem less fictional and more moving. This time around, Collins explores the effects of PTSD, a traumatic experience, loss/love and the setting of a small Colorado town. She mixed all of these various concepts together, and voila: this novel was born. The spotlight shines on Shelby, a heart-warming, real protagonist who has spent her entire summer before senior year in a hospital in Denver trying to forget. To forget the memories that scarred her so much. It turns out that Shelby was in a tragic car accident, leaving her with tragic memories and panic attacks that wouldn't stop occurring. When her mother discovers a clinical program that will relieve the panic attacks and fade some memories away, Shelby is sent off for a month, discovering that the memories are blurry. Except for those involving a mysterious boy.
[image]
When the boy starts appearing in Shelby's 'memories,' we immediately expect that this guy could be a ghost or some supernatural figure. However, FORTUNATELY, he is not: he's real. And Shelby meets him, discovering that she once knew him... quite well. And even though this book is a total love story, as the cover suggests, it focuses on a lot more than just the love. Renee Collins captures the reality of living in a small town with citizens who literally have their nose in everyone's business. Imagine hiding Shelby's huge secret (of losing her memory) in a place where everyone knows everyone. It felt as if there were so many characters in this story in comparison to other books. I loved learning about the personalities and lives of so many — I find that it is often difficult to connect with characters in books, but this one had no flaws with that, or anything, for that matter.
Shelby was a protagonist who I know I will compare others to. She had the right amount of down-to-earth-ness and intelligence and empathy to the extent that she was not letting anyone around her use her. I appreciated her so much - the book would have surely been different if she wasn't around. AND THE LOVE INTEREST? Auden? He's my lover. New book boyfriend. New favourite character. AGH. If you like a mysterious, interesting man, you now know which book to read. YAY FOR THEIR FLAWED, BEAUTIFUL ROMANCE! Collins showed, through this lovely book, that love is so flawed, that there is no perfection involved.
[image]
Remember Me Always is a book I (and you, if you read it) will never forget. I loved the pacing, premise, characters and most of all, romance, which was the opposite of perfection. How can I relive what I felt during this book again? To remember it always.
*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thanks so much!* ...more
Remember Me Always was unbelievable. UN-OMG-BELIEVABLE. After previousl This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
Remember Me Always was unbelievable. UN-OMG-BELIEVABLE. After previously reading Renee Collins' debut, Until We Meet Again, I expected to sadly never pick up a book of hers again because of the weird mysterious fantasy she tried to create in that book. However, when word first was released about this new 2017 book of hers (and the fact that it had an aesthetic cover with gorgeous Polaroid photos), I was so in. Of course, I was skeptical that it would be a favourite of mine, as the premise... well, let's just say that it does not sound like the most promising book. FORGET ABOUT EVERYTHING I JUST SAID. Remember Me Always is surely one of the best books I have read this year. It picked me out of a hideous, dreadful reading slump that I have experienced since the summer (!!!!), causing me to finish it in one sitting. There's nothing better than being on a road trip with a gorgeous story that keeps you going and not bored. Because let me just say it: some of the 'scenery' we can view out of the window is not always so... awing.
THIS WAS ACTION-PACKED AND BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN. Collins has a poetic vibe to her writing which I totally appreciated due to how it made this story seem less fictional and more moving. This time around, Collins explores the effects of PTSD, a traumatic experience, loss/love and the setting of a small Colorado town. She mixed all of these various concepts together, and voila: this novel was born. The spotlight shines on Shelby, a heart-warming, real protagonist who has spent her entire summer before senior year in a hospital in Denver trying to forget. To forget the memories that scarred her so much. It turns out that Shelby was in a tragic car accident, leaving her with tragic memories and panic attacks that wouldn't stop occurring. When her mother discovers a clinical program that will relieve the panic attacks and fade some memories away, Shelby is sent off for a month, discovering that the memories are blurry. Except for those involving a mysterious boy.
[image]
When the boy starts appearing in Shelby's 'memories,' we immediately expect that this guy could be a ghost or some supernatural figure. However, FORTUNATELY, he is not: he's real. And Shelby meets him, discovering that she once knew him... quite well. And even though this book is a total love story, as the cover suggests, it focuses on a lot more than just the love. Renee Collins captures the reality of living in a small town with citizens who literally have their nose in everyone's business. Imagine hiding Shelby's huge secret (of losing her memory) in a place where everyone knows everyone. It felt as if there were so many characters in this story in comparison to other books. I loved learning about the personalities and lives of so many — I find that it is often difficult to connect with characters in books, but this one had no flaws with that, or anything, for that matter.
Shelby was a protagonist who I know I will compare others to. She had the right amount of down-to-earth-ness and intelligence and empathy to the extent that she was not letting anyone around her use her. I appreciated her so much - the book would have surely been different if she wasn't around. AND THE LOVE INTEREST? Auden? He's my lover. New book boyfriend. New favourite character. AGH. If you like a mysterious, interesting man, you now know which book to read. YAY FOR THEIR FLAWED, BEAUTIFUL ROMANCE! Collins showed, through this lovely book, that love is so flawed, that there is no perfection involved.
[image]
Remember Me Always is a book I (and you, if you read it) will never forget. I loved the pacing, premise, characters and most of all, romance, which was the opposite of perfection. How can I relive what I felt during this book again? To remember it always.
*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thanks so much!* ...more
Notes are private!
1
Nov 17, 2017
Nov 19, 2017
Aug 30, 2017
Paperback
3.63
41,608
May 08, 2018
May 08, 2018
really liked it
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
Love and Luck is a book I have been anticipating for over a year. After This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
Love and Luck is a book I have been anticipating for over a year. After practically devouring Love and Gelato, I instantly sought more from Jenna Evans Welch, queen and master of writing chick-lit books that stem away from the rest and just leave readers feeling all giddy inside. This was such an entertaining read that I cannot stop thinking about to this day. The author's choice of writing this book in the setting of Ireland was honestly so smart; I do not know much about the country and its culture aside from pubs, greenery and four-leaf clovers, however, this book just opened my wanderlust and made me discover that I want to head on a similar road-trip that the characters went on.
What made this book so special is the fact that it was not about the romance. It was more than that; it was about family and forming relationships that will last a lifetime, and learning about who we are, instead of kissing and making the 'most of the summer' in that way. Love and Luck was beautiful, and the best part was the relationship between Addie, our protagonist, and her brother, Ian, and the fact that the two of them had severe issues with each other, but spent the summer attempting to work it out in the best way possible: a good old-fashioned road trip across a foreign country, not knowing anything about the path that they are on. And of course, this was also a book about dealing with heartbreak and moving on after someone you once trusted broke that trust.
I also loved seeing an appearance by Leena and Ren, and the fact that this book did not take place during the same time as the first book. This was just a burst of entertainment and happiness for me. I am praying deep down inside that this series will continue; imagine if Addie's brothers will have their own stories coming up really soon!
Love and Luck was such a lovely read. There was just the right amount of drama, bits of romance, and moments that created a lovely story that every teen should pick up. ...more
Love and Luck is a book I have been anticipating for over a year. After This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
Love and Luck is a book I have been anticipating for over a year. After practically devouring Love and Gelato, I instantly sought more from Jenna Evans Welch, queen and master of writing chick-lit books that stem away from the rest and just leave readers feeling all giddy inside. This was such an entertaining read that I cannot stop thinking about to this day. The author's choice of writing this book in the setting of Ireland was honestly so smart; I do not know much about the country and its culture aside from pubs, greenery and four-leaf clovers, however, this book just opened my wanderlust and made me discover that I want to head on a similar road-trip that the characters went on.
What made this book so special is the fact that it was not about the romance. It was more than that; it was about family and forming relationships that will last a lifetime, and learning about who we are, instead of kissing and making the 'most of the summer' in that way. Love and Luck was beautiful, and the best part was the relationship between Addie, our protagonist, and her brother, Ian, and the fact that the two of them had severe issues with each other, but spent the summer attempting to work it out in the best way possible: a good old-fashioned road trip across a foreign country, not knowing anything about the path that they are on. And of course, this was also a book about dealing with heartbreak and moving on after someone you once trusted broke that trust.
I also loved seeing an appearance by Leena and Ren, and the fact that this book did not take place during the same time as the first book. This was just a burst of entertainment and happiness for me. I am praying deep down inside that this series will continue; imagine if Addie's brothers will have their own stories coming up really soon!
Love and Luck was such a lovely read. There was just the right amount of drama, bits of romance, and moments that created a lovely story that every teen should pick up. ...more
Notes are private!
1
not set
Aug 19, 2018
Aug 12, 2017
Hardcover
0735228116
9780735228115
0735228116
3.61
2,473
Aug 15, 2017
Aug 15, 2017
it was amazing
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
A Map for Wrecked Girls is a tale of sisterhood, survival, friendship, This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
A Map for Wrecked Girls is a tale of sisterhood, survival, friendship, love, and forgiveness, and can surely be classified as the best book I've read in 2018. For months, I've been certain that I would not read any good (or 5-star worthy) reads this year, however, in the past few weeks, I have discovered quite a few 5-star reads that I will never forget. Jessica Taylor's story is surely one of those unforgettable ones that needs more publicity and attention! If you're seeking a contemporary story that steers away from the typical premise authors tend to focus on (girl meets boy, and they fall in love), this is the book for you. In fact, even if you're usually reading those cheesy stories, I am certain that you will love this one, too. I am just so obsessed with the story and everything about it. I think that can be proved based on the fact that I read this in one sitting, on an eight-hour long road trip. If this book had the potential to catch my attention for that long, then I am sure that it can be deemed worthy of reading and publicizing.
This story follows the lives of sisters Emma and Henri, who are only a year apart in age, though completely different in personality. They are best friends who hang out with the same people, and tell each other everything. When they head on vacation with their mother to Puerto Rico, the girls expect to spend their time suntanning, drinking cocktails, flirting with boys, and attempting to forget about their own personal problems. Little do they know that they will be stranded on a deserted island with only one other boy, forcing them to attempt to survive in conditions they never experienced previously.
[image]
This book moves between the past and the present. By the past, I mean the events leading up to the big dispute between the sisters, causing their relationship to deteriorate and their past friendship to dissipate. In the present, the girls are trapped on the deserted island, attempting to make contact with passing planes or ships, and trying to tend to themselves to survive. I believe that this is my first time reading a story about being stuck on a deserted island, and I loved every part of it. It seemed as if Jessica Taylor had an abundance of knowledge about the subject, and I honestly felt as if the characters had no other options to try to survive. The author covered every single possibility, not leaving any room for speculation and criticism by readers. This was just a roller coaster of a plot, with so much suspense and mystery woven in between the lines that I really couldn't stop reading. It was not physically and mentally possible for me to stop reading.
What readers must be aware of is that the entire story does not solely focus on the survival aspect. It obviously is there too, however, it also focuses on the sisters' pasts, and how easy it was for them to live a worry-free life where they were given everything they wanted. Henri, for example, was more of the rebellious, wild sister who was boy-crazy and spent her weekends partying hard. Emma, on the other hand, was dragged to these parties where she strove to be just like her sister. It obviously did not work out, as they couldn't be the same kind of person, and Emma's struggle was evident throughout the whole novel. I kept wishing for her to learn to become her own person, independent of her sister and her sister's attitude. By the conclusion of the story, I felt that it was the author's intention for us readers not to adore her characters, but to grow with them and see their development as individuals after being deserted and forced to look upon their flaws and pasts. This is a coming-of-age story that shows how people are affected by trauma, and the mistakes they have made in their pasts.
[image]
Ultimately, this story contains romance. Specifically, the romance between Emma and Alex, the boy they are stranded with, in the present, and this was the relationship I fully supported and adored. It was the first step Emma took to become her own person and be independent of Henri. Since I was not the biggest fan of Henri's character (was anyone, really?) I was super excited for this relationship to blossom as it made Henri jealous that she was not being given any attention.
The best part of this story was the ending, and how it all came together. Jessica Taylor successfully showcased that all humans are flawed, and especially in our teenage years, we are unable to see this. We all need to work hard to make our relationships work, whether they are sibling ones, romantic ones or parental ones. It also shows that life doesn't always go as planned—which is why we should always strive to tackle the obstacles that are before us.
A Map for Wrecked Girls was life-changing. Its premise, pacing of the plot, characters, romance, themes incorporated and writing were all beautiful, and it was surely one of the best books of the year. Go fall in love with it; you will not be disappointed.
*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!* ...more
A Map for Wrecked Girls is a tale of sisterhood, survival, friendship, This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
A Map for Wrecked Girls is a tale of sisterhood, survival, friendship, love, and forgiveness, and can surely be classified as the best book I've read in 2018. For months, I've been certain that I would not read any good (or 5-star worthy) reads this year, however, in the past few weeks, I have discovered quite a few 5-star reads that I will never forget. Jessica Taylor's story is surely one of those unforgettable ones that needs more publicity and attention! If you're seeking a contemporary story that steers away from the typical premise authors tend to focus on (girl meets boy, and they fall in love), this is the book for you. In fact, even if you're usually reading those cheesy stories, I am certain that you will love this one, too. I am just so obsessed with the story and everything about it. I think that can be proved based on the fact that I read this in one sitting, on an eight-hour long road trip. If this book had the potential to catch my attention for that long, then I am sure that it can be deemed worthy of reading and publicizing.
This story follows the lives of sisters Emma and Henri, who are only a year apart in age, though completely different in personality. They are best friends who hang out with the same people, and tell each other everything. When they head on vacation with their mother to Puerto Rico, the girls expect to spend their time suntanning, drinking cocktails, flirting with boys, and attempting to forget about their own personal problems. Little do they know that they will be stranded on a deserted island with only one other boy, forcing them to attempt to survive in conditions they never experienced previously.
[image]
This book moves between the past and the present. By the past, I mean the events leading up to the big dispute between the sisters, causing their relationship to deteriorate and their past friendship to dissipate. In the present, the girls are trapped on the deserted island, attempting to make contact with passing planes or ships, and trying to tend to themselves to survive. I believe that this is my first time reading a story about being stuck on a deserted island, and I loved every part of it. It seemed as if Jessica Taylor had an abundance of knowledge about the subject, and I honestly felt as if the characters had no other options to try to survive. The author covered every single possibility, not leaving any room for speculation and criticism by readers. This was just a roller coaster of a plot, with so much suspense and mystery woven in between the lines that I really couldn't stop reading. It was not physically and mentally possible for me to stop reading.
What readers must be aware of is that the entire story does not solely focus on the survival aspect. It obviously is there too, however, it also focuses on the sisters' pasts, and how easy it was for them to live a worry-free life where they were given everything they wanted. Henri, for example, was more of the rebellious, wild sister who was boy-crazy and spent her weekends partying hard. Emma, on the other hand, was dragged to these parties where she strove to be just like her sister. It obviously did not work out, as they couldn't be the same kind of person, and Emma's struggle was evident throughout the whole novel. I kept wishing for her to learn to become her own person, independent of her sister and her sister's attitude. By the conclusion of the story, I felt that it was the author's intention for us readers not to adore her characters, but to grow with them and see their development as individuals after being deserted and forced to look upon their flaws and pasts. This is a coming-of-age story that shows how people are affected by trauma, and the mistakes they have made in their pasts.
[image]
Ultimately, this story contains romance. Specifically, the romance between Emma and Alex, the boy they are stranded with, in the present, and this was the relationship I fully supported and adored. It was the first step Emma took to become her own person and be independent of Henri. Since I was not the biggest fan of Henri's character (was anyone, really?) I was super excited for this relationship to blossom as it made Henri jealous that she was not being given any attention.
The best part of this story was the ending, and how it all came together. Jessica Taylor successfully showcased that all humans are flawed, and especially in our teenage years, we are unable to see this. We all need to work hard to make our relationships work, whether they are sibling ones, romantic ones or parental ones. It also shows that life doesn't always go as planned—which is why we should always strive to tackle the obstacles that are before us.
A Map for Wrecked Girls was life-changing. Its premise, pacing of the plot, characters, romance, themes incorporated and writing were all beautiful, and it was surely one of the best books of the year. Go fall in love with it; you will not be disappointed.
*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!* ...more
Notes are private!
1
not set
Jul 02, 2018
May 29, 2017
Hardcover
149263011X
9781492630111
149263011X
3.92
5,727
Jul 04, 2017
Jul 04, 2017
it was amazing
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
I have really, really avoided writing this review. Why, you may ask? Wh This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
I have really, really avoided writing this review. Why, you may ask? Why be so lazy? *giggles* Because I didn't want to let this series go. Miranda Kenneally's Thousand Oaks series has been with me since the start - the start of my obsession with reading and all things YA fiction. Coming Up For Air was just as good as the others in this series, and I am so obsessed with it. I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for the author's writing and what is yet to come!
I feel that this series HAD to end because Kenneally ran out of sports to write about — we have been through them all: soccer, football, baseball, running, swimming, you name it! Haha - but in an honest sense, I must say that what I loved most about this book was the fact that romance was incorporated in a realistic way. Maggie and Levi had the most passionate relationship ever (!! seriously!), and I cannot get them out of my head.
This could’ve been bad—real bad. You see, I’m used to a lot of those cheesy fluffy contemporaries with a lot of unrealism in them. I could spend hours naming them all, but I’d rather not since contemporary is probably my favourite genre.
I feel like books in this genre could either go one way or the other. The characters in this one seemed more mature and relatable than the others of the author, and that surely shone a light onto this all, just like a little topping or sprinkle of something onto your ice cream sundae. Like really, it was the magical touch and new-thing to this series. It was what we needed to get this to a whole other level.
Buy, loan, grab, steal (just kidding) this book IMMEDIATELY. I promise you will adore it, and if you (somehow) don't, I'll kindly (or forcefully) ask you to pick up the first books of the series and devour them. There is literally no way that you will not find this book enjoyable. Now, go ahead and go for it! ...more
I have really, really avoided writing this review. Why, you may ask? Wh This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
I have really, really avoided writing this review. Why, you may ask? Why be so lazy? *giggles* Because I didn't want to let this series go. Miranda Kenneally's Thousand Oaks series has been with me since the start - the start of my obsession with reading and all things YA fiction. Coming Up For Air was just as good as the others in this series, and I am so obsessed with it. I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for the author's writing and what is yet to come!
I feel that this series HAD to end because Kenneally ran out of sports to write about — we have been through them all: soccer, football, baseball, running, swimming, you name it! Haha - but in an honest sense, I must say that what I loved most about this book was the fact that romance was incorporated in a realistic way. Maggie and Levi had the most passionate relationship ever (!! seriously!), and I cannot get them out of my head.
This could’ve been bad—real bad. You see, I’m used to a lot of those cheesy fluffy contemporaries with a lot of unrealism in them. I could spend hours naming them all, but I’d rather not since contemporary is probably my favourite genre.
I feel like books in this genre could either go one way or the other. The characters in this one seemed more mature and relatable than the others of the author, and that surely shone a light onto this all, just like a little topping or sprinkle of something onto your ice cream sundae. Like really, it was the magical touch and new-thing to this series. It was what we needed to get this to a whole other level.
Buy, loan, grab, steal (just kidding) this book IMMEDIATELY. I promise you will adore it, and if you (somehow) don't, I'll kindly (or forcefully) ask you to pick up the first books of the series and devour them. There is literally no way that you will not find this book enjoyable. Now, go ahead and go for it! ...more
Notes are private!
1
Aug 18, 2017
Aug 19, 2017
Mar 24, 2017
Paperback
3.40
1,135
Mar 08, 2017
Mar 07, 2017
really liked it
If you have never seen Piper Perish before (by seen, I mean its GORGEOUS cover), YOU ARE CRAZY. If you have never heard of this masterpiece of a novel
If you have never seen Piper Perish before (by seen, I mean its GORGEOUS cover), YOU ARE CRAZY. If you have never heard of this masterpiece of a novel, YOU ARE CRAZY. You, we, I am crazy for all sorts of reasons, but Piper Perish by the phenomenal Kayla Cagan has literally made me rethink of a definition of crazy. YOU NEED TO HEAR/SEE/READ THIS BOOK. When I first read the synopsis, I knew it would be a keeper. Little did I know that it would become a total jewel/gem of a story that I will remember forever. It kind of reminds me of the point of my life that I am currently in: that point of your life where you're just starting to get everything together. Where you're pulling/pushing the pieces, wondering what you really want to do in the future, what's worth keeping. This lovely novel has such a huge focus on art and friends: two brilliant things that I myself am so lucky to have an abundance of in my life. This will become everyone's favourite 2017 novel, I feel it.
It has been a wwwwhhhhhiiiiillllleeeeee since I read a book that was this raw, this intriguing. Yeah, you know, we constantly read contemporary romances or chick-lit novels about girls/guys finding themselves, figuring out their purposes in life. In this case, our protagonist Piper was the one finding herself. But this story was different. I think it's because it wasn't just about the romance. It was a 75% focus on the contemporary part, the more realistic beautiful part. Kayla Cagan just mastered that. I felt myself melting into the story and it's rare for me to feel this way, especially in the midst of a horrifying reading slump. Now that I look back at this, I think it definitely brought me out of this treacherous slump that's been active for a year probably.
[image]
Piper Perish is a story you can ramble about forever. There was just so much that happened in this big chunky story. (IT'S A HUGE STORY SO YOUR MONEY IS WORTH IT IN EVERY WAY. BUY YOURSELF A BEAUTIFUL HARDCOVER.) It begins off with us getting to know Piper, who is dumped by her boyfriend who literally streaks in the middle of a dance floor on New Year's Eve. It's quite messed up. We learn about how much she loves art and how she wants it to become a big part of her future as she applies to a New York art school. I LITERALLY FEEL THE SAME WAY SHE DOES. (Minus the art part and boyfriend part... it's all about university my friends.)
[image]
SO the best part of this book is that it's relatable. Any teenager can find something in this gorgeous story that they could relate to. Whether it is the problem Kit (Piper's best friend) and Piper had surrounding their friendship, or even the problem with just liking something (art) that others do not find interest in, this is a coming of age novel that will hit you. It has all of the elements we are seeking, like LGBTQ characters (Enzo!!)!! The only reason why I did not feel that this was perfect was because it lacked a fast pace. It was intriguing, but at points I felt that it wasn't really moving anywhere. ANYWHO, we must get back to the positives.
This is a happy, feel-good story that will just make you smile. That's the final result. A MASS OF EMOTIONS HIT ME SO HARD that I decided that the best way to write about this book is to just ramble about how much we can all relate to it and find beauty in it. There: it's your turn to explore it. ENJOY AND GRAB THIS INSTANTLY. No one will be disappointed.
*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!* ...more
It has been a wwwwhhhhhiiiiillllleeeeee since I read a book that was this raw, this intriguing. Yeah, you know, we constantly read contemporary romances or chick-lit novels about girls/guys finding themselves, figuring out their purposes in life. In this case, our protagonist Piper was the one finding herself. But this story was different. I think it's because it wasn't just about the romance. It was a 75% focus on the contemporary part, the more realistic beautiful part. Kayla Cagan just mastered that. I felt myself melting into the story and it's rare for me to feel this way, especially in the midst of a horrifying reading slump. Now that I look back at this, I think it definitely brought me out of this treacherous slump that's been active for a year probably.
[image]
Piper Perish is a story you can ramble about forever. There was just so much that happened in this big chunky story. (IT'S A HUGE STORY SO YOUR MONEY IS WORTH IT IN EVERY WAY. BUY YOURSELF A BEAUTIFUL HARDCOVER.) It begins off with us getting to know Piper, who is dumped by her boyfriend who literally streaks in the middle of a dance floor on New Year's Eve. It's quite messed up. We learn about how much she loves art and how she wants it to become a big part of her future as she applies to a New York art school. I LITERALLY FEEL THE SAME WAY SHE DOES. (Minus the art part and boyfriend part... it's all about university my friends.)
[image]
SO the best part of this book is that it's relatable. Any teenager can find something in this gorgeous story that they could relate to. Whether it is the problem Kit (Piper's best friend) and Piper had surrounding their friendship, or even the problem with just liking something (art) that others do not find interest in, this is a coming of age novel that will hit you. It has all of the elements we are seeking, like LGBTQ characters (Enzo!!)!! The only reason why I did not feel that this was perfect was because it lacked a fast pace. It was intriguing, but at points I felt that it wasn't really moving anywhere. ANYWHO, we must get back to the positives.
This is a happy, feel-good story that will just make you smile. That's the final result. A MASS OF EMOTIONS HIT ME SO HARD that I decided that the best way to write about this book is to just ramble about how much we can all relate to it and find beauty in it. There: it's your turn to explore it. ENJOY AND GRAB THIS INSTANTLY. No one will be disappointed.
*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!* ...more
Notes are private!
1
Feb 06, 2017
Apr 09, 2017
Feb 06, 2017
1595145516
9781595145512
1595145516
3.55
26,898
Oct 18, 2016
Oct 18, 2016
really liked it
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
Jay Asher is the king of YA literature. THE KING. ALL HAIL JAY ASHER. A This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
Jay Asher is the king of YA literature. THE KING. ALL HAIL JAY ASHER. And I bet you all can completely agree with me because of the success of Thirteen Reasons Why, one of the best books ever. I think the show has just boosted the readership of the novel SO MUCH so I'm hoping that people might feel a little more interested in this because of the movie. What Light is a lovely Christmas-y story that made me squeal and freak out over the one emotion that every human being has felt at one point of their life: LOVE.
I am really impressed with this story because it's not JUST about the cutesy lovey stuff. It's more than that; it's the usual Jay Asher fluff. He adds so many more topics that we never really aware about into his gorgeous stories. What Light basically showed us that hey: HOLIDAY BOOKS ARE FOR THE SUMMER. They can be read in the spring, fall—whenever. When I began reading it, I didn't expect that this would be entertaining, but it definitely was. Asher's writing was (almost) as good as ever, and I really appreciated the storyline.
[image]
This is one of those feel-good stories that makes you want to appreciate life a little more. Caleb and Sierra are the power couple of them all. I fell in love with their romance as well and just pined for them to be together. IT WAS MAGICAL. I felt a real connection to the book because I wanted the best for the characters if you know what I mean. The plot, on the other hand, was quite slow-paced which was the reason why I had to stick with a lower rating for this one. Unlike Asher's other books, it lacked something. Something life-changing. How did Thirteen Reasons Why accomplish this? I really don't know. Let's just say that it was a nice story.
Want a pleasing, adorable story? Read this. That's all I can say.
*A review copy was provided by the publisher via BookExpo America in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!* ...more
Jay Asher is the king of YA literature. THE KING. ALL HAIL JAY ASHER. A This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
Jay Asher is the king of YA literature. THE KING. ALL HAIL JAY ASHER. And I bet you all can completely agree with me because of the success of Thirteen Reasons Why, one of the best books ever. I think the show has just boosted the readership of the novel SO MUCH so I'm hoping that people might feel a little more interested in this because of the movie. What Light is a lovely Christmas-y story that made me squeal and freak out over the one emotion that every human being has felt at one point of their life: LOVE.
I am really impressed with this story because it's not JUST about the cutesy lovey stuff. It's more than that; it's the usual Jay Asher fluff. He adds so many more topics that we never really aware about into his gorgeous stories. What Light basically showed us that hey: HOLIDAY BOOKS ARE FOR THE SUMMER. They can be read in the spring, fall—whenever. When I began reading it, I didn't expect that this would be entertaining, but it definitely was. Asher's writing was (almost) as good as ever, and I really appreciated the storyline.
[image]
This is one of those feel-good stories that makes you want to appreciate life a little more. Caleb and Sierra are the power couple of them all. I fell in love with their romance as well and just pined for them to be together. IT WAS MAGICAL. I felt a real connection to the book because I wanted the best for the characters if you know what I mean. The plot, on the other hand, was quite slow-paced which was the reason why I had to stick with a lower rating for this one. Unlike Asher's other books, it lacked something. Something life-changing. How did Thirteen Reasons Why accomplish this? I really don't know. Let's just say that it was a nice story.
Want a pleasing, adorable story? Read this. That's all I can say.
*A review copy was provided by the publisher via BookExpo America in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!* ...more
Notes are private!
1
Dec 04, 2016
Feb 02, 2017
Dec 04, 2016
Hardcover
1338058010
9781338058017
1338058010
3.54
18,088
Jul 25, 2017
Jul 25, 2017
it was amazing
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
I AM IN LOVE. Kasie West keeps making me so obsessed with her books eac This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
I AM IN LOVE. Kasie West keeps making me so obsessed with her books each time around, and Lucky in Love was no different. This was an unbelievable story with the most interesting premise and plot ever. I now feel inclined to buy lottery tickets with hesitance, because West has showed that there are downsides to every single decision we make in our lives, whether we like it or not. It was interesting to read about a teenage protagonist who becomes 'lucky' and wins a lot of money without expecting it, and seeing that we must be careful for what we wish for. In essence, the author attempted to showcase that it is best to be careful for what we wish for. I seriously cannot enough of this entire story; it was written beautifully and with a lovely set of characters and romance.
[image]
GAH. The romance between Seth and Maddie was such a dream. Why? Because I'm a sucker for romance and, more specifically, lovely relationships that I will never forget about. The pacing of the story was especially memorable, in the way that this was not instalove; Maddie and Seth previously knew each other. I cannot even tell you the number of times I freaked out whilst reading; this is a story to make readers feel all good and gooey inside.
Lucky in Love was entertaining and everything I could've asked for in a contemporary-romance. I am psyched to see what else Kasie West has in store for readers in the future.
...more
I AM IN LOVE. Kasie West keeps making me so obsessed with her books eac This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
I AM IN LOVE. Kasie West keeps making me so obsessed with her books each time around, and Lucky in Love was no different. This was an unbelievable story with the most interesting premise and plot ever. I now feel inclined to buy lottery tickets with hesitance, because West has showed that there are downsides to every single decision we make in our lives, whether we like it or not. It was interesting to read about a teenage protagonist who becomes 'lucky' and wins a lot of money without expecting it, and seeing that we must be careful for what we wish for. In essence, the author attempted to showcase that it is best to be careful for what we wish for. I seriously cannot enough of this entire story; it was written beautifully and with a lovely set of characters and romance.
[image]
GAH. The romance between Seth and Maddie was such a dream. Why? Because I'm a sucker for romance and, more specifically, lovely relationships that I will never forget about. The pacing of the story was especially memorable, in the way that this was not instalove; Maddie and Seth previously knew each other. I cannot even tell you the number of times I freaked out whilst reading; this is a story to make readers feel all good and gooey inside.
Lucky in Love was entertaining and everything I could've asked for in a contemporary-romance. I am psyched to see what else Kasie West has in store for readers in the future.
...more
Notes are private!
1
not set
Aug 19, 2018
Dec 03, 2016
Hardcover
0062455869
9780062455864
0062455869
3.86
52,542
Jan 31, 2017
Jan 31, 2017
really liked it
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
If you have been paying attention to my reviews for the past few years, This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
If you have been paying attention to my reviews for the past few years, you probably are able to tell that I am a huge Kasie West fan. And I'm not the only one: look at the huge population of chick-lit fans who have been converted thanks to Kasie's books. There are some people who despise reading cheesy stories about romance and falling in love, however, they could definitely be a sucker for this writing. I adore contemporary romances (they're just such feel good reads), and By Your Side is not an exception to this statement. It's a book that is so realistic in comparison to other contemporaries out there in the YA world, and I appreciate that West also writes about the struggles people can have outside of the love, romantic world.
Autumn, our protagonist, lives with anxiety, however, she hides this from her closest friends as she doesn't want them to treat her any differently. This is a huge secret to keep as it affects her social life and the way in which she interacts with her friends, especially her crush, Jeff, who she predicts will become her future boyfriend. One winter night after a studying session at the library, Autumn is stuck there, and is unable to leave until the following Monday due to a holiday. She quickly discovers that she is not the only one stranded in the library; her school's resident "bad-boy" slash rebel, Dax, is there, and he seems uninterested in forming some kind of friendship with Autumn.
[image]
Evidently, being stuck in a library with someone for three days forces people to become friends. I mean, in this kind of situation, you're kind of supposed to use some survival skills, haha. I just adored the premise of this whole book, and how it was atypical in relation to the other cheesy, predictable stories out there. This obviously holds a lot of fluffy writing and happiness throughout, however, I found that it was special and unique. By Your Side had more to the story than just pure romance; it touched upon mental health topics, family, foster care and trauma. I don't know how Kasie West does it, but the mix between fluffiness (in terms of romance) and darker topics just works perfectly. I couldn't have asked for a better mix.
Although this was not a 5-star read (as some of West's books were, in my opinion), I felt that it was a great, light, summer read that I have been seeking for ages. I initially picked it up as I wanted to be relieved of my terrible reading slump that has been bothering me for months, and it definitely did help abandon it.
[image]
By Your Side was just too cute. I love Kasie West's ideas and the way she weaves in darker themes in the midst of a light, contemporary romance. I have three more of her books to read, and I should do that very soon. Cheers to summery reads! ...more
If you have been paying attention to my reviews for the past few years, This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
If you have been paying attention to my reviews for the past few years, you probably are able to tell that I am a huge Kasie West fan. And I'm not the only one: look at the huge population of chick-lit fans who have been converted thanks to Kasie's books. There are some people who despise reading cheesy stories about romance and falling in love, however, they could definitely be a sucker for this writing. I adore contemporary romances (they're just such feel good reads), and By Your Side is not an exception to this statement. It's a book that is so realistic in comparison to other contemporaries out there in the YA world, and I appreciate that West also writes about the struggles people can have outside of the love, romantic world.
Autumn, our protagonist, lives with anxiety, however, she hides this from her closest friends as she doesn't want them to treat her any differently. This is a huge secret to keep as it affects her social life and the way in which she interacts with her friends, especially her crush, Jeff, who she predicts will become her future boyfriend. One winter night after a studying session at the library, Autumn is stuck there, and is unable to leave until the following Monday due to a holiday. She quickly discovers that she is not the only one stranded in the library; her school's resident "bad-boy" slash rebel, Dax, is there, and he seems uninterested in forming some kind of friendship with Autumn.
[image]
Evidently, being stuck in a library with someone for three days forces people to become friends. I mean, in this kind of situation, you're kind of supposed to use some survival skills, haha. I just adored the premise of this whole book, and how it was atypical in relation to the other cheesy, predictable stories out there. This obviously holds a lot of fluffy writing and happiness throughout, however, I found that it was special and unique. By Your Side had more to the story than just pure romance; it touched upon mental health topics, family, foster care and trauma. I don't know how Kasie West does it, but the mix between fluffiness (in terms of romance) and darker topics just works perfectly. I couldn't have asked for a better mix.
Although this was not a 5-star read (as some of West's books were, in my opinion), I felt that it was a great, light, summer read that I have been seeking for ages. I initially picked it up as I wanted to be relieved of my terrible reading slump that has been bothering me for months, and it definitely did help abandon it.
[image]
By Your Side was just too cute. I love Kasie West's ideas and the way she weaves in darker themes in the midst of a light, contemporary romance. I have three more of her books to read, and I should do that very soon. Cheers to summery reads! ...more
Notes are private!
1
Jun 19, 2018
Jun 21, 2018
Dec 03, 2016
Paperback
0425290336
9780425290330
0425290336
3.76
37,419
Jun 06, 2017
Jun 06, 2017
liked it
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
Once and For All made me expect that I would finally, FINALLY rate a Sa This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
Once and For All made me expect that I would finally, FINALLY rate a Sarah Dessen book five stars once and for all. (Well - I did a few times in the past, but her recent books have been boring.) I liked this one, don't get me wrong, however, it was kind of boring and meaningless, if you know what I mean. I didn't feel much of a reaction once it was over, nothing tugged me to go back and read all of her past stories. It was between a hit and a miss. I can see why many people would fall in love with this kind of story — it does have to kind of do with weddings and love, after all, but I find it too cheesy and unbelievable for my liking. If only falling in love could be THIS easy.
[image]
I only find myself liking contemporary novels when I can actually imagine it happening in real life. This was unimaginable. Sure, Dessen's writing is quite detailed and provides a nice image in my mind, however, I felt that everything occurred too quickly. From Ambrose and Louna's relationship, to Louna getting over all of the grief she endured, it seemed... crazy. I did enjoy how unique the story was, though, in terms of Louna being the daughter of wedding planners, and the fact that fate "puts her in the situation" of falling in love with a client's brother. This is definitely a book for the pre-Nicholas Sparks readers. It's cheesiness galore.
It all doesn't require much explaining, in terms of the plot. This is about a girl, who seems so ordinary, and a boy, who is wild and a total player, and how they're put together, initially hating each other. If this book had another base to it, more depth to it, perhaps I would have adored it. It was okay, in all honesty. I loved Louna's kick-butt character, and how much she just wanted to revive from her dark days, and how she wanted to fall in love again. I kept feeling this beautiful, youthful vibe from her, which, in reality, is what I was supposed to feel, as this is a YA novel after all.
[image]
Now, Ambrose was cute too. He's the love interest, and I cannot even call that a spoiler because it was meant to be. We all can see it coming from the summary of the story. He's your typical, girl-crazy guy who I fell in love with a little. I just didn't appreciate the relationship of the two characters, as to me... they didn't quite fit. It felt forced, unlike the chemistry Dessen's other fictional relationships had.
Once and For All was a nice, summer read. It took me waaay too long to read it, when I think about it, but that's because I felt like I knew what would happen. And it did. Nothing "special" occurred, which I really would have appreciated. I will still be reading Dessen's future books as they are a nice break from mysteries and thrillers that I tend to turn to.
*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!* ...more
Once and For All made me expect that I would finally, FINALLY rate a Sa This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
Once and For All made me expect that I would finally, FINALLY rate a Sarah Dessen book five stars once and for all. (Well - I did a few times in the past, but her recent books have been boring.) I liked this one, don't get me wrong, however, it was kind of boring and meaningless, if you know what I mean. I didn't feel much of a reaction once it was over, nothing tugged me to go back and read all of her past stories. It was between a hit and a miss. I can see why many people would fall in love with this kind of story — it does have to kind of do with weddings and love, after all, but I find it too cheesy and unbelievable for my liking. If only falling in love could be THIS easy.
[image]
I only find myself liking contemporary novels when I can actually imagine it happening in real life. This was unimaginable. Sure, Dessen's writing is quite detailed and provides a nice image in my mind, however, I felt that everything occurred too quickly. From Ambrose and Louna's relationship, to Louna getting over all of the grief she endured, it seemed... crazy. I did enjoy how unique the story was, though, in terms of Louna being the daughter of wedding planners, and the fact that fate "puts her in the situation" of falling in love with a client's brother. This is definitely a book for the pre-Nicholas Sparks readers. It's cheesiness galore.
"Weddings were like truth serum, or so my mom always said. Whatever your personality, it would come out in spades" (122).
It all doesn't require much explaining, in terms of the plot. This is about a girl, who seems so ordinary, and a boy, who is wild and a total player, and how they're put together, initially hating each other. If this book had another base to it, more depth to it, perhaps I would have adored it. It was okay, in all honesty. I loved Louna's kick-butt character, and how much she just wanted to revive from her dark days, and how she wanted to fall in love again. I kept feeling this beautiful, youthful vibe from her, which, in reality, is what I was supposed to feel, as this is a YA novel after all.
[image]
Now, Ambrose was cute too. He's the love interest, and I cannot even call that a spoiler because it was meant to be. We all can see it coming from the summary of the story. He's your typical, girl-crazy guy who I fell in love with a little. I just didn't appreciate the relationship of the two characters, as to me... they didn't quite fit. It felt forced, unlike the chemistry Dessen's other fictional relationships had.
Once and For All was a nice, summer read. It took me waaay too long to read it, when I think about it, but that's because I felt like I knew what would happen. And it did. Nothing "special" occurred, which I really would have appreciated. I will still be reading Dessen's future books as they are a nice break from mysteries and thrillers that I tend to turn to.
*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!* ...more
Notes are private!
1
Jul 16, 2017
Aug 2017
Oct 28, 2016
Hardcover
0803741685
9780803741683
0803741685
3.58
1,163
Apr 14, 2015
Apr 14, 2015
it was amazing
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
*4.5 star rating*
CALIFORNIA LOVEEEEE. *plays the song by Tupac* That' This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
*4.5 star rating*
CALIFORNIA LOVEEEEE. *plays the song by Tupac* That's a song that immediately pops into my head when I think about Juliana Romano's First There Was Forever. I cannot really think about the direct lyrics, though Romano's debut does take place in California, the land of dreams, Beverly Hills, drama and daily doses of sunshine. I don't think anything gets better than California. When I read this book, I just came home from California, so I was enduring some kind of post-trip depression where all I wanted to do was hop on a plane again and travel to the place where I am happy. (Not that I'm not happy anywhere else but... it's a happy land). First There Was Forever was raw and so meaningful.
The important detail to note here is that it, the novel, displays the realism of teenagers and their mentalities to an interesting extent. And by an interesting extent, I mean an over-exaggerated extent. I'm a teenager living in the twenty-first century, and I can tell you that the only reason why I did not give this book a perfect rating was because I was disappointed with the fact that the characters in the book were showcased as people who only cared about boys and partying, and of course, a little bit of friendship drama here and there. It's kind of wrong, and I felt all iffy about the whole situation. I definitely felt that it was real, but I cannot personally relate to any of the characters and situation because it's all just out of my realm.
[image]
This does, however, portray friendship and the problems of being a teenager. Our protagonist, Lima, undergoes the time of her life where she realizes that she needs to change her way of thinking and friend group. I can personally relate to that, and I bet many other teens can, too, because there's always that period of our lives where we feel that we just don't belong somewhere. And when we find that special group of people who we slide in with, it all works out. Lima was a protagonist who was so energetic and special; she was shy to the others, though reading about her life from her eyes made the book even better. Seeing that she was slowly climbing out of her shell to become more confident in her shoes was remarkable. I LOVED SEEING THIS DEVELOPMENT.
This isn't your typical girl-falling-in-love-with-her-BFF's-crush novel. It's more than that. It's something you can fall in love with very quickly and feel unable to let go. It's 400 pages of awesomeness and a rich plot that you won't be able to forget about for ages. I especially loved the whole story because it's summery and fluffy; it also incorporates themes that take you to a deep level of consciousness, if that is even possible. It's just deep, beautiful and full of drama to the point that I felt the fast pace in me as I read. It's been a looooong time since I read a book this quickly.
[image]
In a quick sentence: I adored Lima and Nate and despised Hailey with all of my might. She was your typical mean girl who you just wanted to depart the plot.
First There Was Forever has been sitting in my shelf for months, perhaps even a year before I decided, "Hey! This might be the perfect time to pick it up!" This is the kind of book that was not written solely for teenagers; anyone is able to find something here that they will enjoy. I am SO SO SO eager to pick up Romano's Summer in the Invisible City and see what her setting of NYC has in store for her characters. I'm lost for words; this is phenomenal. ...more
*4.5 star rating*
CALIFORNIA LOVEEEEE. *plays the song by Tupac* That' This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
*4.5 star rating*
CALIFORNIA LOVEEEEE. *plays the song by Tupac* That's a song that immediately pops into my head when I think about Juliana Romano's First There Was Forever. I cannot really think about the direct lyrics, though Romano's debut does take place in California, the land of dreams, Beverly Hills, drama and daily doses of sunshine. I don't think anything gets better than California. When I read this book, I just came home from California, so I was enduring some kind of post-trip depression where all I wanted to do was hop on a plane again and travel to the place where I am happy. (Not that I'm not happy anywhere else but... it's a happy land). First There Was Forever was raw and so meaningful.
The important detail to note here is that it, the novel, displays the realism of teenagers and their mentalities to an interesting extent. And by an interesting extent, I mean an over-exaggerated extent. I'm a teenager living in the twenty-first century, and I can tell you that the only reason why I did not give this book a perfect rating was because I was disappointed with the fact that the characters in the book were showcased as people who only cared about boys and partying, and of course, a little bit of friendship drama here and there. It's kind of wrong, and I felt all iffy about the whole situation. I definitely felt that it was real, but I cannot personally relate to any of the characters and situation because it's all just out of my realm.
[image]
This does, however, portray friendship and the problems of being a teenager. Our protagonist, Lima, undergoes the time of her life where she realizes that she needs to change her way of thinking and friend group. I can personally relate to that, and I bet many other teens can, too, because there's always that period of our lives where we feel that we just don't belong somewhere. And when we find that special group of people who we slide in with, it all works out. Lima was a protagonist who was so energetic and special; she was shy to the others, though reading about her life from her eyes made the book even better. Seeing that she was slowly climbing out of her shell to become more confident in her shoes was remarkable. I LOVED SEEING THIS DEVELOPMENT.
This isn't your typical girl-falling-in-love-with-her-BFF's-crush novel. It's more than that. It's something you can fall in love with very quickly and feel unable to let go. It's 400 pages of awesomeness and a rich plot that you won't be able to forget about for ages. I especially loved the whole story because it's summery and fluffy; it also incorporates themes that take you to a deep level of consciousness, if that is even possible. It's just deep, beautiful and full of drama to the point that I felt the fast pace in me as I read. It's been a looooong time since I read a book this quickly.
[image]
In a quick sentence: I adored Lima and Nate and despised Hailey with all of my might. She was your typical mean girl who you just wanted to depart the plot.
First There Was Forever has been sitting in my shelf for months, perhaps even a year before I decided, "Hey! This might be the perfect time to pick it up!" This is the kind of book that was not written solely for teenagers; anyone is able to find something here that they will enjoy. I am SO SO SO eager to pick up Romano's Summer in the Invisible City and see what her setting of NYC has in store for her characters. I'm lost for words; this is phenomenal. ...more
Notes are private!
1
Aug 30, 2016
Sep 02, 2016
Aug 30, 2016
Hardcover
0385755929
9780385755924
0385755929
3.69
135,508
Apr 04, 2016
Oct 04, 2016
really liked it
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
You can call me the world's biggest All the Bright Places fan ever. Whe This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
You can call me the world's biggest All the Bright Places fan ever. When I discovered the beautiful Jennifer Niven's debut novel last year, I went on a huge expedition to purchase it. I did, and my world fell apart in the best way ever. I cried like a maniac or psycho person, unable to contain my feelings and just making all of my blanket wet. Looking back, that was a chaotic, beautiful day. It still stands as my most favourite book (alongside some, because you can NEVER have ONE favourite book), and then I discovered Holding Up the Universe. I NEEDED MORE OF JENNIFER'S WRITING, and hearing that this would be her second novel made the world a better place, for sure. I then was so fortunate to meet Jennifer at BEA and have her sign a copy of this beauty to me, and I knew that I wanted to read this book during a special time. I decided that I would pick it up on the plane back home from an amazing trip of a lifetime, and boy, that was the best time to pick this up. I devoured it pretty instantly.
Holding Up the Universe was in no way similar to ATBP, and it was nowhere as good as the book that stole my heart. The same thing happened with a similar's writer's work, Nicola Yoon. (Fact: I didn't enjoy her second novel.) I really enjoyed this one, minus the fact that ATBP was perfection. Written in a similar style to All the Bright Places, with alternating perspectives of a boy and girl who are obviously destined to fall in love (with so many heartbreaking and amazing moments in between), I could definitely glue the similarities together. But then, at the same time, there are so many differences, especially when you look at the characters and their own struggles. I love how Jennifer wrote this for her fans who are struggling in similar ways that our two protagonists, Libby and Jack, are, and I love how she based some of the struggles off of her own struggles in the past. Every person who reads this could definitely relate to one thing or another in this magnificent story.
[image]
Libby and Jack seemed like polar opposites of each other, when I first began reading this. Libby has been labelled as "America's Fattest Teen," but over the years, she has gotten better with her excessive eating. She has lost so much weight after working hard and limiting herself to cravings. Since fifth grade, she has been homeschooled, and since then, crazy things have happened that she never wants to look back at. She has been cut out of her house by firefighters, has made imaginary friends with the boys who lived across the street, she has mourned her mother, who died of cancer, but most importantly, she has put a goal for herself: to be ready to go back to high school. Once there, she constantly gets laughed at, but she's so strong. Strong enough to hold her feelings inside until she meets Jack, who also has his own secret (he has prosopagnosia, where he doesn't recognize the faces of people who he should recognize), in the weirdest way. She punches him, but they both end up getting in trouble, but this is just the start of a friendship/relationship (whatever you like to call the initial phases) that readers will never forget about.
For the second time in a row, Jennifer Niven writes about subjects that readers rarely (or never) get the chance to read about. We have two contrasting characters—Libby and Jack, who I completely adored. My favourite thing about the whole story is learning about Jack's prosopagnosia. Prior to reading, I have never heard of this direct term, and have never heard/read about someone who has it. It has never been brought to my attention. Most likely, somewhere in my head, I believed that some condition like that existed, but it never really hit me. Reading Jack's perspective was something absolutely new and I know that I will never get an experience like that ever again. There is also so much diversity throughout the whole story. Jack is African-American (or half, I think) and I just appreciated that so much. There are so many different things about this book that most contemporaries never touch upon.
[image]
(The only thing I didn't really enjoy was the slow moments of the plot where I kind of got bored. That could be because of my flight's distracting entertainment options, too. Just kidding, Jen Niven's writing is always more entertaining than anything else. Am not kidding about the occasional boredom I experienced.)
What I don't get is the whole craze that previously went up over this story. People labelled Jennifer as being offensive to overweight people, but I never saw anything wrong as I read through the story. Sure, I disliked moments of this book where EVERYTHING was geared towards Libby being overweight, but that just came from Libby's character and her occasional insecurity. There is nothing offensive, period. Why would someone even think that about Jennifer's writing? As always, she puts her heart and soul into the whole story, making it the most beautiful, emotional and moving possible. The thing we have to remember is that this is for her fans. This book is for everyone who has ever struggled, and I completely felt that dedication as I was reading.
Jennifer's writing, as usual, added light humour here and there that occasionally made me laugh out loud and feel like I'm enjoying this so much. I enjoyed all of it. Some people are against romanticizing people with mental illnesses, but this is exactly what Jennifer Niven is amazing at. That is why her books are special and different. I would seriously be dying right now if I wasn't able to read this yet. WHAT AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY.
[image]
Libby and Jack are completely beautiful together. Jibby? Lack? They are the best. I love how they are together and how they have an even better connection because of their personal demons. I now just want to know how they are doing after the book, if you know what I mean.
Holding Up the Universe is a beautiful story that has still left me breathless. It's like a prized possession for me, and its message is extremely powerful. With beautiful characters, diversity, real-life issues (some that we have never heard/read about, ever), a beautiful ending and attachment to the characters, leaving us wondering what they are doing at this very moment, this is just unforgettable. Thank you, Jennifer!
*A review copy was provided by the publisher via BookExpo America in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!* ...more
You can call me the world's biggest All the Bright Places fan ever. Whe This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
You can call me the world's biggest All the Bright Places fan ever. When I discovered the beautiful Jennifer Niven's debut novel last year, I went on a huge expedition to purchase it. I did, and my world fell apart in the best way ever. I cried like a maniac or psycho person, unable to contain my feelings and just making all of my blanket wet. Looking back, that was a chaotic, beautiful day. It still stands as my most favourite book (alongside some, because you can NEVER have ONE favourite book), and then I discovered Holding Up the Universe. I NEEDED MORE OF JENNIFER'S WRITING, and hearing that this would be her second novel made the world a better place, for sure. I then was so fortunate to meet Jennifer at BEA and have her sign a copy of this beauty to me, and I knew that I wanted to read this book during a special time. I decided that I would pick it up on the plane back home from an amazing trip of a lifetime, and boy, that was the best time to pick this up. I devoured it pretty instantly.
Holding Up the Universe was in no way similar to ATBP, and it was nowhere as good as the book that stole my heart. The same thing happened with a similar's writer's work, Nicola Yoon. (Fact: I didn't enjoy her second novel.) I really enjoyed this one, minus the fact that ATBP was perfection. Written in a similar style to All the Bright Places, with alternating perspectives of a boy and girl who are obviously destined to fall in love (with so many heartbreaking and amazing moments in between), I could definitely glue the similarities together. But then, at the same time, there are so many differences, especially when you look at the characters and their own struggles. I love how Jennifer wrote this for her fans who are struggling in similar ways that our two protagonists, Libby and Jack, are, and I love how she based some of the struggles off of her own struggles in the past. Every person who reads this could definitely relate to one thing or another in this magnificent story.
[image]
Libby and Jack seemed like polar opposites of each other, when I first began reading this. Libby has been labelled as "America's Fattest Teen," but over the years, she has gotten better with her excessive eating. She has lost so much weight after working hard and limiting herself to cravings. Since fifth grade, she has been homeschooled, and since then, crazy things have happened that she never wants to look back at. She has been cut out of her house by firefighters, has made imaginary friends with the boys who lived across the street, she has mourned her mother, who died of cancer, but most importantly, she has put a goal for herself: to be ready to go back to high school. Once there, she constantly gets laughed at, but she's so strong. Strong enough to hold her feelings inside until she meets Jack, who also has his own secret (he has prosopagnosia, where he doesn't recognize the faces of people who he should recognize), in the weirdest way. She punches him, but they both end up getting in trouble, but this is just the start of a friendship/relationship (whatever you like to call the initial phases) that readers will never forget about.
For the second time in a row, Jennifer Niven writes about subjects that readers rarely (or never) get the chance to read about. We have two contrasting characters—Libby and Jack, who I completely adored. My favourite thing about the whole story is learning about Jack's prosopagnosia. Prior to reading, I have never heard of this direct term, and have never heard/read about someone who has it. It has never been brought to my attention. Most likely, somewhere in my head, I believed that some condition like that existed, but it never really hit me. Reading Jack's perspective was something absolutely new and I know that I will never get an experience like that ever again. There is also so much diversity throughout the whole story. Jack is African-American (or half, I think) and I just appreciated that so much. There are so many different things about this book that most contemporaries never touch upon.
[image]
(The only thing I didn't really enjoy was the slow moments of the plot where I kind of got bored. That could be because of my flight's distracting entertainment options, too. Just kidding, Jen Niven's writing is always more entertaining than anything else. Am not kidding about the occasional boredom I experienced.)
What I don't get is the whole craze that previously went up over this story. People labelled Jennifer as being offensive to overweight people, but I never saw anything wrong as I read through the story. Sure, I disliked moments of this book where EVERYTHING was geared towards Libby being overweight, but that just came from Libby's character and her occasional insecurity. There is nothing offensive, period. Why would someone even think that about Jennifer's writing? As always, she puts her heart and soul into the whole story, making it the most beautiful, emotional and moving possible. The thing we have to remember is that this is for her fans. This book is for everyone who has ever struggled, and I completely felt that dedication as I was reading.
Jennifer's writing, as usual, added light humour here and there that occasionally made me laugh out loud and feel like I'm enjoying this so much. I enjoyed all of it. Some people are against romanticizing people with mental illnesses, but this is exactly what Jennifer Niven is amazing at. That is why her books are special and different. I would seriously be dying right now if I wasn't able to read this yet. WHAT AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY.
[image]
Libby and Jack are completely beautiful together. Jibby? Lack? They are the best. I love how they are together and how they have an even better connection because of their personal demons. I now just want to know how they are doing after the book, if you know what I mean.
Holding Up the Universe is a beautiful story that has still left me breathless. It's like a prized possession for me, and its message is extremely powerful. With beautiful characters, diversity, real-life issues (some that we have never heard/read about, ever), a beautiful ending and attachment to the characters, leaving us wondering what they are doing at this very moment, this is just unforgettable. Thank you, Jennifer!
*A review copy was provided by the publisher via BookExpo America in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!* ...more
Notes are private!
1
Aug 19, 2016
Aug 23, 2016
Aug 19, 2016
Hardcover
1250082862
9781250082862
1250082862
3.46
1,711
Jan 31, 2017
Jan 31, 2017
really liked it
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
How to Break a Boy literally is something else. When I first saw the co This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
How to Break a Boy literally is something else. When I first saw the cover, I freaked out because it looks so retro and cute and chick-lit-y and amazing… you could say I went out of control. For the third book I read this year, this was a hit and extremely enjoyable. To all of the girls who feel that they need to get a little bit of revenge in their lives… this is for you. After reading Olivia’s story, I feel that I might just want to get a little revenge on my own in order to find a guy like Whit. *winks* Laurie Devore is the debut author YOU ALL HAVE TO LOOK OUT FOR. I feel that I will be enjoying every single book she writes from here onward. How to Break a Boy has a harsh title, yes, making you feel that this book will be all about drama and deception (which, yeah, it kind of was) but it also was about learning lessons in life and just coming of age. I can totally relate to it because Olivia was in the time of her life where she did not know who she was or what she wanted to do. Thanks to her lovely guidance counsellor who she constantly made fun of and Whit, every girl’s dream golden boy, throughout the duration of the book, we saw and sensed that Olivia was becoming the person she wanted to be.
To quickly summarize this beauty, it basically is a summer (or winter, whatever you prefer to make you feel better) read that is all about a girl named Olivia Clayton. She is sixteen and couldn’t care less about school and her education, because in her life, she is currently undergoing struggles that act as her personal demons. She doesn’t want anyone to know about them because she doesn’t want to be judged or even be in the centre of attention. As for the centre of attention, that is her best friend Adrienne’s job. They have a difficult and toxic friendship that makes you wonder if your friends are really loyal to you, haha. One day, Olivia catches Adrienne sleeping with her boyfriend—the guy who was there for her after her family tragedy. SOOOO… Olivia wants revenge on Adrienne, so she begins hanging out with the school’s smartest and hottest golden boy, Whit DuRant. He’s basically Adrienne’s enemy for some reason, and at first, isn’t too inclined to become Olivia’s SAT tutor. OBVIOUSLY… love brews.
[image]
So you may be wondering why Olivia needs a SAT tutor if she doesn't care about school and instead, is the second most popular girl in school. Olivia is one of those characters who is two-faced, who has a more calm character underneath all of the lies, bullying and garbage that she says after being manipulated by Adrienne. She has always wanted to leave her North Carolina small town. From the beginning of the book to practically the end, I was wondering why she complained so much and why she had such a hatred-filled relationship with her mother. It all became clear and I realized why Olivia let herself be manipulated so much. And for a huge chunk of the novel, I somewhat disliked Olivia and her actions. I wanted her to stick up for herself the way she did when the family tragedy occurred. When Adrienne comes into the mix, we sense that Olivia immediately becomes weak and… crumbles. Like a cookie. I just wanted to give her a huge hug. She’s one of those characters who we as readers feel so much sympathy for that occasionally, we feel that the only reason we’re reading the book is to get closure and to make sure that the character succeeds. That was part of the reason why I ended up loving How to Break a Boy so much; we had a main character who was having such a difficult time in her life and who actually had the strength to get by it.
he novel, I somewhat disliked Olivia and her actions. I wanted her to stick up for herself the way she did when the family tragedy occurred. When Adrienne comes into th. SO. Devore's writing was fast-paced and straight to the point. Occasionally, I find that some chick-lit books are boring because the plot is slow since there is just filler of the situation, though this? This was almost perfect. Almost a five star read, if you know what I mean. I immediately fell in love with Whit and every single character (except for Adrienne, because OBVIOUSLY). The side characters like Claire were all great and added so much depth to the story. All in all, this was not just a chick-lit story, it was a mix between Mean Girls and the deepest out of the deep. You will certainly not regret falling in love with everything Devore offers here.
[image]
NOW IT'S TIME TO TALK ABOUT THAT ENDING. I was completely satisfied by the end because we as readers got a closing. Some books leave us off with a hook and we begin to feel like there will be a continuation... until we discover that there won't be one. THIS HAD THE OPPOSITE EFFECT and I was completely satisfied. Thank you, Laurie, for writing such a gorgeous story.
*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!* ...more
How to Break a Boy literally is something else. When I first saw the co This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
How to Break a Boy literally is something else. When I first saw the cover, I freaked out because it looks so retro and cute and chick-lit-y and amazing… you could say I went out of control. For the third book I read this year, this was a hit and extremely enjoyable. To all of the girls who feel that they need to get a little bit of revenge in their lives… this is for you. After reading Olivia’s story, I feel that I might just want to get a little revenge on my own in order to find a guy like Whit. *winks* Laurie Devore is the debut author YOU ALL HAVE TO LOOK OUT FOR. I feel that I will be enjoying every single book she writes from here onward. How to Break a Boy has a harsh title, yes, making you feel that this book will be all about drama and deception (which, yeah, it kind of was) but it also was about learning lessons in life and just coming of age. I can totally relate to it because Olivia was in the time of her life where she did not know who she was or what she wanted to do. Thanks to her lovely guidance counsellor who she constantly made fun of and Whit, every girl’s dream golden boy, throughout the duration of the book, we saw and sensed that Olivia was becoming the person she wanted to be.
"It's always going to be like this, me and you against the world" (191).
To quickly summarize this beauty, it basically is a summer (or winter, whatever you prefer to make you feel better) read that is all about a girl named Olivia Clayton. She is sixteen and couldn’t care less about school and her education, because in her life, she is currently undergoing struggles that act as her personal demons. She doesn’t want anyone to know about them because she doesn’t want to be judged or even be in the centre of attention. As for the centre of attention, that is her best friend Adrienne’s job. They have a difficult and toxic friendship that makes you wonder if your friends are really loyal to you, haha. One day, Olivia catches Adrienne sleeping with her boyfriend—the guy who was there for her after her family tragedy. SOOOO… Olivia wants revenge on Adrienne, so she begins hanging out with the school’s smartest and hottest golden boy, Whit DuRant. He’s basically Adrienne’s enemy for some reason, and at first, isn’t too inclined to become Olivia’s SAT tutor. OBVIOUSLY… love brews.
[image]
So you may be wondering why Olivia needs a SAT tutor if she doesn't care about school and instead, is the second most popular girl in school. Olivia is one of those characters who is two-faced, who has a more calm character underneath all of the lies, bullying and garbage that she says after being manipulated by Adrienne. She has always wanted to leave her North Carolina small town. From the beginning of the book to practically the end, I was wondering why she complained so much and why she had such a hatred-filled relationship with her mother. It all became clear and I realized why Olivia let herself be manipulated so much. And for a huge chunk of the novel, I somewhat disliked Olivia and her actions. I wanted her to stick up for herself the way she did when the family tragedy occurred. When Adrienne comes into the mix, we sense that Olivia immediately becomes weak and… crumbles. Like a cookie. I just wanted to give her a huge hug. She’s one of those characters who we as readers feel so much sympathy for that occasionally, we feel that the only reason we’re reading the book is to get closure and to make sure that the character succeeds. That was part of the reason why I ended up loving How to Break a Boy so much; we had a main character who was having such a difficult time in her life and who actually had the strength to get by it.
"Some sins can't be forgiven" (8).
he novel, I somewhat disliked Olivia and her actions. I wanted her to stick up for herself the way she did when the family tragedy occurred. When Adrienne comes into th. SO. Devore's writing was fast-paced and straight to the point. Occasionally, I find that some chick-lit books are boring because the plot is slow since there is just filler of the situation, though this? This was almost perfect. Almost a five star read, if you know what I mean. I immediately fell in love with Whit and every single character (except for Adrienne, because OBVIOUSLY). The side characters like Claire were all great and added so much depth to the story. All in all, this was not just a chick-lit story, it was a mix between Mean Girls and the deepest out of the deep. You will certainly not regret falling in love with everything Devore offers here.
[image]
NOW IT'S TIME TO TALK ABOUT THAT ENDING. I was completely satisfied by the end because we as readers got a closing. Some books leave us off with a hook and we begin to feel like there will be a continuation... until we discover that there won't be one. THIS HAD THE OPPOSITE EFFECT and I was completely satisfied. Thank you, Laurie, for writing such a gorgeous story.
*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!* ...more
Notes are private!
1
not set
Jan 10, 2017
Jul 15, 2016
Hardcover
1250097355
9781250097354
1250097355
3.64
727
Sep 06, 2016
Sep 06, 2016
it was amazing
This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
*4.5 star rating*
Are you dedicated? Do you have your future set up be This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
*4.5 star rating*
Are you dedicated? Do you have your future set up before you? Do you love diversity? What about romance? What about family issues? Julia Day has just delivered all of those things, including the best protagonist possible in a contemporary-romance novel, diversity, using Indian characters, and a new atmosphere for readers, since The Possibility of Somewhere stems from the perspective of Eden, a girl who lives in a trailer park, who doesn't have a mother but a stepmother, and who doesn't know if she will be accepted to head to the university of her dreams, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. I found myself absolutely relating to some of Eden's struggles, and I found that this novel was a book specifically created for teenagers like myself, teenagers who would call themselves overachievers, teenagers who enjoy reading about a variety of topics that many authors shy away from, including diversity in a contemporary-romance. I haven't seen that for a long time, and when Julia Day first announced Ash's character to be Indian, I cheered. I was so interested in reading about his family and their customs.
The Possibility of Somewhere lacked a few things here and there, but I am still struggling to comprehend what exactly was missing. That's why I decided to rate this four point five stars out of five complete stars. Everything, practically, was perfection. I was so excited to win an advanced reader copy of this, became more excited when it arrived in the mail, and now am the most happy that a person could be. After reading many meh-feeling books, this brightened my day(s) completely. I felt like I needed to run off and find myself a beau like Ash, someone who is similar to myself, and talk about our struggles. Occasionally, without it sounding absurd or creepy in any manner, I felt like Eden related to me perfectly and that she was speaking my voice and all of that yadda yadda yadda. Julia, thank you for creating a character who is unafraid to show that she's curious and intelligent. Agh, I WANT TO READ THIS AGAIN AND AGAIN.
[image]
This is about a competitive romance, *twiddles eyebrows* specifically the romance of Ash and Eden, although it seems that they totally hate each other at first. YAY, NO INSTALOVE. Ash is set to go to Stanford, where he feels that his whole life is set out in front of him by his parents. They don't want him to go to Stanford, they would rather see him on the East Coast. Eden, on the other hand, is laying out her future by herself, with no help from her father and stepfather. She is set to become her class's valedictorian and with her perfect GPA, she feels that she is able to leave her hometown and trailer that she lives in soon. They have a mutual hate relationship at first, both competing for the same thing constantly, being put in groups together, and later finding out that they're fighting for the same scholarship.
BUT THEN THERE'S A ROMANCE. An unexpected romance for sure, if one hasn't read the synopsis prior to reading. I seriously adored Ash and Eden together. THEY'RE THE NUMBER ONE BEST COUPLE. People say that opposites attract, but after reading this, I found that people sharing the same interests are even more likely to find some greater connection between themselves. They were together through the good and bad and all of that stuff. More than anything, I just wanted them to stay together throughout everything, even when it seemed that they were close to splitting because of some differences. I seriously had tears towards the end, because I just felt what the author was writing—about the romance, themes, everything.
[image]
Since Eden is the narrator of this whole gorgeous story, we have to deal with her family more than Ash's, though we do get a few sneak peeks of his, too. I felt so bad for Eden—you cannot understand. Her father is a racist, bad-mouth, who acts like he's drunk all of the time (although I'm sure that he wasn't intended to be), bad-mouthing Eden and never supporting her with anything that she achieves or wants to do in the future. He thinks that her passion for teaching children with special needs is useless, and would rather have Eden still living at home. HOW? I still don't know. I ached for Eden at these moments where her past before her stepmother came around, and it just hurt when she had no one by her side.
HIGH-FIVE FOR CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. We get to initially know Eden as a "mean-sounding" girl who doesn't have any friends. She eats lunch by herself, but is super involved with everything she does. She's smart, has a perfect GPA, works in the computer lab, and babysits two adorable children who I wish I would get to know. She does have these personal inner demons that she doesn't really want to admit to, but once she meets the new girl in school, Mundy, they grow a bond that Eden would do anything to keep. Eden grows so much more confident with herself and mentality—she begins wearing clothing that shows more of herself and begins acting like the person that she wants to act like.
[image]
I FREAKED OUT ABOUT THE ENDING/AIRPORT SCENE. I couldn't stop going crazy. If you would like to see a Nicholas Sparks approved ending, you have to read this. I would have to call that the most addicting, impressive part of the whole novel because I just needed some things to work and to be beautiful and wonderful. I won't spoil what actually happened, but let me tell you: I was pretty impressed/ecstatic. But I must say, this is a novel I just couldn't put down. Lately, I have been able to leave a book for a few hours, but with Day's debut in YA, I just felt that I needed to have it in my greedy hands 24/7.
The Possibility of Somewhere has a stunning cover that makes me want to run to the bookstore right now and grab a finished copy, and I just cannot stop fangirling over the romance and characters. Julia Day has just created the most lovely mixture of a novel. It seemed so perfect as if it were a recipe. Now, since I would like to write a novel one day, please: let me know what this recipe is and if it is easy to prepare.
*A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!* ...more
*4.5 star rating*
Are you dedicated? Do you have your future set up be This review can also be found on A Thousand Lives Lived, check it out for more!
*4.5 star rating*
Are you dedicated? Do you have your future set up before you? Do you love diversity? What about romance? What about family issues? Julia Day has just delivered all of those things, including the best protagonist possible in a contemporary-romance novel, diversity, using Indian characters, and a new atmosphere for readers, since The Possibility of Somewhere stems from the perspective of Eden, a girl who lives in a trailer park, who doesn't have a mother but a stepmother, and who doesn't know if she will be accepted to head to the university of her dreams, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. I found myself absolutely relating to some of Eden's struggles, and I found that this novel was a book specifically created for teenagers like myself, teenagers who would call themselves overachievers, teenagers who enjoy reading about a variety of topics that many authors shy away from, including diversity in a contemporary-romance. I haven't seen that for a long time, and when Julia Day first announced Ash's character to be Indian, I cheered. I was so interested in reading about his family and their customs.
The Possibility of Somewhere lacked a few things here and there, but I am still struggling to comprehend what exactly was missing. That's why I decided to rate this four point five stars out of five complete stars. Everything, practically, was perfection. I was so excited to win an advanced reader copy of this, became more excited when it arrived in the mail, and now am the most happy that a person could be. After reading many meh-feeling books, this brightened my day(s) completely. I felt like I needed to run off and find myself a beau like Ash, someone who is similar to myself, and talk about our struggles. Occasionally, without it sounding absurd or creepy in any manner, I felt like Eden related to me perfectly and that she was speaking my voice and all of that yadda yadda yadda. Julia, thank you for creating a character who is unafraid to show that she's curious and intelligent. Agh, I WANT TO READ THIS AGAIN AND AGAIN.
[image]
This is about a competitive romance, *twiddles eyebrows* specifically the romance of Ash and Eden, although it seems that they totally hate each other at first. YAY, NO INSTALOVE. Ash is set to go to Stanford, where he feels that his whole life is set out in front of him by his parents. They don't want him to go to Stanford, they would rather see him on the East Coast. Eden, on the other hand, is laying out her future by herself, with no help from her father and stepfather. She is set to become her class's valedictorian and with her perfect GPA, she feels that she is able to leave her hometown and trailer that she lives in soon. They have a mutual hate relationship at first, both competing for the same thing constantly, being put in groups together, and later finding out that they're fighting for the same scholarship.
BUT THEN THERE'S A ROMANCE. An unexpected romance for sure, if one hasn't read the synopsis prior to reading. I seriously adored Ash and Eden together. THEY'RE THE NUMBER ONE BEST COUPLE. People say that opposites attract, but after reading this, I found that people sharing the same interests are even more likely to find some greater connection between themselves. They were together through the good and bad and all of that stuff. More than anything, I just wanted them to stay together throughout everything, even when it seemed that they were close to splitting because of some differences. I seriously had tears towards the end, because I just felt what the author was writing—about the romance, themes, everything.
[image]
Since Eden is the narrator of this whole gorgeous story, we have to deal with her family more than Ash's, though we do get a few sneak peeks of his, too. I felt so bad for Eden—you cannot understand. Her father is a racist, bad-mouth, who acts like he's drunk all of the time (although I'm sure that he wasn't intended to be), bad-mouthing Eden and never supporting her with anything that she achieves or wants to do in the future. He thinks that her passion for teaching children with special needs is useless, and would rather have Eden still living at home. HOW? I still don't know. I ached for Eden at these moments where her past before her stepmother came around, and it just hurt when she had no one by her side.
HIGH-FIVE FOR CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. We get to initially know Eden as a "mean-sounding" girl who doesn't have any friends. She eats lunch by herself, but is super involved with everything she does. She's smart, has a perfect GPA, works in the computer lab, and babysits two adorable children who I wish I would get to know. She does have these personal inner demons that she doesn't really want to admit to, but once she meets the new girl in school, Mundy, they grow a bond that Eden would do anything to keep. Eden grows so much more confident with herself and mentality—she begins wearing clothing that shows more of herself and begins acting like the person that she wants to act like.
[image]
I FREAKED OUT ABOUT THE ENDING/AIRPORT SCENE. I couldn't stop going crazy. If you would like to see a Nicholas Sparks approved ending, you have to read this. I would have to call that the most addicting, impressive part of the whole novel because I just needed some things to work and to be beautiful and wonderful. I won't spoil what actually happened, but let me tell you: I was pretty impressed/ecstatic. But I must say, this is a novel I just couldn't put down. Lately, I have been able to leave a book for a few hours, but with Day's debut in YA, I just felt that I needed to have it in my greedy hands 24/7.
The Possibility of Somewhere has a stunning cover that makes me want to run to the bookstore right now and grab a finished copy, and I just cannot stop fangirling over the romance and characters. Julia Day has just created the most lovely mixture of a novel. It seemed so perfect as if it were a recipe. Now, since I would like to write a novel one day, please: let me know what this recipe is and if it is easy to prepare.
*A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for a honest review. Thank you so much!* ...more
Notes are private!
1
Aug 13, 2016
Aug 15, 2016
Jul 15, 2016
Hardcover
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